Compounds, compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

The disclosed subject matter provides certain polymorphic forms of Compound (I) as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound (I) or such polymorphic forms, and methods of using or making such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions. It has now been discovered that Compound (I) can exist in multiple crystalline forms (polymorphs). One particular crystalline form, Form II, has been found to be more thermodynamically stable and, thus, likely more suitable for bulk preparation and handling than other polymorphic forms. Efficient and economic methods have been developed to prepare Compound (I) and Form II in high purity on a large scale. In animal studies, Form II has demonstrated safety and efficacy in treating depressive disorders and, when micronized, improved absorption compared to non-micronized Form II.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/096,077, filed Dec. 23, 2014, whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,360 (issued Sep. 22, 2009) discloses Compound (I):

or 4-methylbenzyl (3S, 4R)-3-fluoro-4-[(pyrimidin-2-ylamino) methyl]piperidine-1-carboxylate (referred to in the '360 patent as (3S,4R)-4-methylbenzyl3-fluoro-4-[(pyrimidin-2-ylamino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboxylate, andelsewhere as MK-0657 or CERC-301). A potent selective antagonist ofN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NMDA-GluN2B or NR2B), Compound(I) was initially developed for treatment of Parkinson's disease (Addyet al., J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 49:856-864 (2009)). A pilot study ofCompound (I) in patients with treatment-resistant major depressivedisorder (TRMDD) showed antidepressant effects in the 17-item HamiltonDepression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)(Ibrahim et al., J. Clin. Psychopharmacol., 32(4):551-557 (2012)). Dueto the study's small sample size, no definitive conclusions as toCompound (I)'s potential efficacy or safety profile could be drawn fromthe study's preliminary data.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed subject matter provides certain polymorphic forms ofCompound (I)

as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising Compound (I) or suchpolymorphic forms, and methods of using or making such compounds andpharmaceutical compositions.

It has now been discovered that Compound (I) can exist in multiplecrystalline forms (polymorphs). One particular crystalline form, FormII, has been found to be more thermodynamically stable and, thus, likelymore suitable for bulk preparation and handling than other polymorphicforms. Efficient and economic methods have been developed to prepareCompound (I) and Form II in high purity on a large scale. In animalstudies, Form II has demonstrated safety and efficacy in treatingdepressive disorders and, when micronized, improved absorption comparedto non-micronized Form II.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a compound that is a substantiallypure crystalline Form II of Compound (I) exhibiting at least one of:

-   -   (i) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using copper        Kα radiation, comprising peaks of 2-theta angles of about 5.9        and 8.8 degrees;    -   (ii) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using copper        Kα radiation, substantially as shown in FIG. 1A;    -   (iii) an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum, obtained using        methanol as diluent, substantially as shown in FIG. 2;    -   (iv) an infrared spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 3;    -   (v) a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about 600        MHz in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 4;    -   (vi) a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about 150 MHz        in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 5;    -   (vii) a thermogravimetric analysis curve substantially as shown        in FIG. 6; and    -   (viii) a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram        substantially as shown in FIG. 7.

Also provided herein is a crystalline Form I of Compound (I) asdescribed in FIG. 1B.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical compositionof the disclosure comprises particles of Compound (I) with an X90particle size of about 10 μm or less. Suitable particles of Compound (I)include for example microparticles and nanoparticles.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating acondition responsive to an NR2B antagonist. The method includesadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of acompound or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating suicidalideation, comprising administering Form I or Form II of Compound (I) toa patient who has, is suspected of having, or has been diagnosed withhaving suicidal ideation.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of targetingN-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B) expressed on acell comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an effectiveamount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the presentinvention.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of reducingabsorption rate of Compound (I) comprising administering to a patient inneed thereof an effective amount of the Compound (I) with food, whereinthe compound is administered either substantially concurrently with, orup to about 2 hours after, or up to about 30 minutes beforeadministration of food.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of preparing Compound(I), analogs and associated intermediates.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of preparing Compound(I) comprising:

-   -   (i) reacting Compound (8)

-   -   -   with triflic anhydride to yield a triflate;

    -   (ii) reacting the triflate with ammonia to yield Compound (9)

and

-   -   (iii) reacting the Compound (9) with 2-chloropyrimidine to yield        Compound (I).

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of preparing Form IIof Compound (I). By suspending purified Form I of Compound (I) in waterfor a sufficient period of time or heating solid Form I, conversion toForm II can be readily achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows an X-ray powder diffraction pattern of crystalline Form IIof Compound (I).

FIG. 1B shows X-ray powder diffraction patterns of crystalline Form Iand crystalline Form II of Compound (I).

FIG. 2 shows an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum of crystalline Form IIof Compound (I).

FIG. 3 shows an infrared spectrum of crystalline Form II of Compound(I).

FIG. 4 shows proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of crystallineForm II of Compound (I).

FIG. 5 shows a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of crystallineForm II of Compound (I).

FIG. 6 shows a thermogravimetric analysis curve of crystalline Form IIof Compound (I).

FIG. 7 shows a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram ofcrystalline Form II of Compound (I).

FIG. 8 shows the dose response curve for antidepressant effects ofcrystalline Form II of Compound (I) relative to its locomotor effect inrats.

FIG. 9 shows the dose response curve for hypertensive effects ofcrystalline Form II of Compound (I) in rats.

FIG. 10A shows the pharmacokinetic profile (plasma concentrations) ofcrystalline Form II of Compound (I) in healthy humans in fasted state.

FIG. 10B shows the difference in pharmacokinetics of crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) in fed versus fasted state in healthy humans.

FIG. 11 shows effects of a single oral dose of Compound (I) on systolicblood pressure.

FIG. 12 shows effects of a single oral dose of Compound (I) on systolicblood pressure, with or without prazosin.

FIG. 13 shows the effect of Compound (I) and ketamine on behaviors inthe rat forced swim test 24 hours after administration (*p<0.05 compareto vehicle group ˜p>0.05).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Unless clearly indicated otherwise, the following terms as used hereinhave the meanings indicated below.

“Micronized” refers to particles with a diameter within the micronrange. Methods of producing micronized particles include friction-basedtechniques, such as milling (e.g., jet-milling) and grinding, andsupercritical fluid-based techniques, such as the Rapid Expansion ofSupercritical Solutions (RESS), Supercritical Anti-Solvent (SAS), andParticles from Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS) methods. In someembodiments, the Compound (I) particles are micronized by jet-milling.

“Particle size” refers to the particle dimension of the activepharmaceutical ingredient (API), such as Compound (I) or Form (II) ofCompound (I), as ascertained by laser diffraction particle sizeanalysis, performed for example using an analyzer such as Malvern,Sympatec, Microtac or Horibe.

“X90” refers to the particle size corresponding to 90% of the cumulativeundersize distribution by volume.

“X50” refers to the particle size corresponding to 50% of the cumulativeundersize distribution by volume.

“X10” refers to the particle size corresponding to 10% of the cumulativeundersize distribution by volume.

“Mean particle size” or “mean PS” includes D43 particle size.

“D43” refers to the particle size calculated according to the meandiameter over volume or DeBroukere mean.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable excipient” refers to any substance, notitself a therapeutic agent, used as a carrier, diluent, adjuvant,binder, and/or vehicle for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a patient,or added to a pharmaceutical composition to improve its handling orstorage properties or to permit or facilitate formation of a compound orpharmaceutical composition into a unit dosage form for administration.Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are known in the pharmaceuticalarts and are disclosed, for example, in Remington: The Science andPractice of Pharmacy, 21^(st) Ed. (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,Baltimore, Md., 2005) and Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients,American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington, D.C., (e.g., 1^(st),2^(nd) and 3^(rd) Eds., 1986, 1994 and 2000, respectively). As will beknown to those in the art, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients canprovide a variety of functions and can be described as wetting agents,buffering agents, suspending agents, lubricating agents, emulsifiers,disintegrants, absorbents, preservatives, surfactants, colorants,flavorants, and sweeteners. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients include without limitation: (1) sugars, such as lactose,glucose and sucrose; (2) starches, such as corn starch and potatostarch; (3) cellulose and its derivatives, such as sodium carboxymethylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; (4) powderedtragacanth; (5) malt; (6) gelatin; (7) talc; (8) excipients, such ascocoa butter and suppository waxes; (9) oils, such as peanut oil,cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil andsoybean oil; (10) glycols, such as propylene glycol; (11) polyols, suchas glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; (12) esters,such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; (13) agar; (14) bufferingagents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; (15) alginicacid; (16) pyrogen-free water; (17) isotonic saline; (18) Ringer'ssolution; (19) ethyl alcohol; (20) pH buffered solutions; (21)polyesters, polycarbonates and/or polyanhydrides; and (22) othernon-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations.

“Unit dosage form” refers to a physically discrete unit suitable as aunitary dosage for a human or an animal. Each unit dosage form cancontain a predetermined amount of a therapeutic agent calculated toproduce a desired effect.

“Patient” refers to an animal, such as a mammal, including but notlimited to, a human. Hence, the methods disclosed herein can be usefulin human therapy and veterinary applications. In one embodiment, thepatient is a mammal. In another embodiment, the patient is a human.

“Effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” refers to anamount of a compound or pharmaceutical composition which, based on itsparameters of efficacy and potential for toxicity and the knowledge ofone skilled in the art, produces a desired effect, such as treating orpreventing a condition. An effective amount can be administered in forexample one, two, three, four or more doses per day or per week.

“Treat” or “treating” refers to attain or attaining a beneficial ordesired result, such as a clinical result. In some embodiments, thebeneficial or desired result is any one or more of the following:inhibiting or suppressing the onset or development of a condition,reducing the severity of the condition, reducing the number or severityof symptoms associated with the condition, increasing the quality oflife of a patient suffering from the condition, decreasing the dose ofanother medication required to treat the condition, enhancing the effectof another medication a patient is taking for the condition, andprolonging the survival of a patient having the condition. For example,in the case of major depressive disorder (MDD), treating may involve aclinically significant decline in at least one measurable marker orsymptom of MDD. Measurable markers include electro-encephalogram (EEG)slow wave activity (SWA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).The severity of MDD may be assessed, for example, using theMontgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Rating Scalefor Depression (HAM-D or HRSD, such as HAM-D17, Beck DepressionInventory (BDI), VAS-depression, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A),Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-positive symptoms (BPRS), the ClinicianAdministered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS), Young Mania Rating Scale(YMRS), Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale-Modified Scoring System(SHAPS-M), Wechsler Depression Rating Scale, Raskin Depression RatingScale, Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS), the Quick Inventoryof Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS), or any other scale known in the artfor rating MDD.

“Prevent” or “preventing” refers to reduce or reducing the probabilityof that a patient develops a condition which the patient does not havebut is at risk of developing. “At risk” denotes that a patient has oneor more risk factors, which are measurable parameters that correlatewith the development of a condition and are known in the art. A patienthaving one or more of risk factors has a higher probability ofdeveloping the condition than a patient without such risk factors.

“Adjunct” refers to the use of a compound or pharmaceutical compositionin conjunction with at least one additional treatment. As an adjunct,the compound or pharmaceutical composition may improve the efficacy ofthe at least one additional treatment, such as by achieving a fasterresponse to the at least one additional treatment, reducing the severityof a condition, reducing the number or severity of symptoms associatedwith a condition, or decreasing the dose of the at least one additionaltreatment. The adjunct may be administered with the at least oneadditional treatment together in a single composition or separately inindividual compositions, at substantially the same time or at differenttimes.

A condition that is “responsive to an NR2B antagonist” includes anycondition in which administration of an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptorsubunit 2B (NR2B) antagonist treats or prevents the condition, as thoseterms are defined herein. Hence, a condition whose symptoms arediminished upon administration of an NMDA NR2B antagonist is a conditionresponsive to an NR2B antagonist. Examples of a condition that isresponsive to an NR2B antagonist include Parkinson's disease,neuropathic pain (such as postherpetic neuralgia, nerve injury,“dynias”, vulvodynia, phantom limb pain, root avulsions, painfuldiabetic neuropathy, painful traumatic mononeuropathy, painfulpolyneuropathy, central pain syndromes, and postsurgical pain syndromes,postmastectomy syndrome, postthoracotomy syndrome, stump pain), bone andjoint pain (such as osteoarthritis), repetitive motion pain, dentalpain, cancer pain, myofascial pain (muscular injury, fibromyalgia),perioperative pain (general surgery, gynecological), chronic pain,dysmennorhea, as well as pain associated with angina, and inflammatorypain of varied origins (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,rheumatic disease, teno-synovitis and gout), headache, migraine andcluster headache, schizophrenia, stroke, traumatic brain injury,Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,Huntington's disease, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, glaucoma,neurological damage caused by epileptic seizures or by neurotoxinpoisoning or by impairment of glucose and/or oxygen to the brain, visionloss caused by neurodegeneration of the visual pathway, Restless LegSyndrome, multi-system atrophy, non-vascular headache, chronic (orchronic persistent), subchronic or acute cough, primary hyperalgesia,secondary hyperalgesia, primary allodynia, secondary allodynia, or otherpain caused by central sensitization, dyskinesias (such as the sideeffects accompanying normal doses of L-Dopa), depressive disorders (suchas, major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant MDD),trauma- and stressor-related disorders (such as acute stress disorderand posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), bipolar disorders withdepressive features, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive andrelated disorders. See Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders, 5^(th) Ed. (American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, Va.,2013) for additional examples of depressive disorders, bipolardisorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and relateddisorders, and other conditions.

“Anti-hypertensive” refers to any agent that lowers blood pressure.Examples of an anti-hypertensive include calcium channel blockers,angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), angiotensinII receptor antagonists (A-II antagonists), diuretics, beta-adrenergicreceptor blockers (β-blockers), vasodilators and alpha-adrenergicreceptor blockers (α-blockers).

“Administered intermittently” refers to administration at irregular timeperiods throughout, for example, a 24 hour period, or a 7 day period, oron an as needed basis.

“Reacting” refers to combining or mixing two or more agents underappropriate conditions to produce the indicated or desired product. Theindicated or desired product may not necessarily result directly fromreacting the agents; reacting the agents may yield one or moreintermediates that ultimately lead to the formation of the indicated ordesired product.

“Recrystallization” refers to a purification process whereby a solidcompound is dissolved in an appropriate solvent and recrystallized toprovide a solid of higher purity. Types of recrystallization includesingle solvent, multi-solvent, hot filtration and seeding.

“Slurrying” refers to a purification process of suspending crystals of acompound in an appropriate solvent, stirring the suspension, andisolating the crystals.

“Such as” has the same meaning as “such as but not limited to.”Similarly, “include” has the same meaning as “include but not limitedto”, while “including” has the same meaning as “including but notlimited to”.

“Between about X and about Y” refers to values between about X and aboutY, including about X and about Y.

Other than in the working examples, or where otherwise indicated, allnumbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, andso forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood asbeing modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, such numbers are approximations that may vary depending uponthe desired properties sought to be obtained by the disclosed subjectmatter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number ofsignificant digits and ordinary rounding techniques.

While the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof the disclosed subject matter are approximations, the numerical valuesset forth in the working examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errorsnecessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

Compounds

It has been discovered that Compound (I) can exist in multiplecrystalline or polymorphic forms. The polymorphic forms of Compound (I)identified to date are: Form I, Form II and Form III. Form I is composedof acicular particles (rods) while Form II has plate-like morphology.Form III has been detected only in polymorphic mixtures. Neither isCompound (I)'s polymorphism nor any of its polymorphic forms disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,592,360.

Form II, the thermodynamically most stable of the three polymorphs, is awhite crystalline powder. This form is an anhydrate with a melting pointof 123-124° C. Forms I and III have been shown to convert to Form IIboth thermally in the solid state as well as in aqueous suspensions.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a compound that is crystallineForm II of Compound (I)

exhibiting at least one of:

-   -   (i) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using copper        Kα radiation, comprising peaks of 2-theta angles of about 5.9        and 8.8 degrees;    -   (ii) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using copper        Kα radiation, substantially as shown in FIG. 1A;    -   (iii) an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum, obtained using        methanol as diluent, substantially as shown in FIG. 2;    -   (iv) an infrared spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 3;    -   (v) a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about 600        MHz in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 4;    -   (vi) a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about 150 MHz        in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 5;    -   (vii) a thermogravimetric analysis curve substantially as shown        in FIG. 6; and    -   (viii) a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram        substantially as shown in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, the crystalline Form II of Compound (I) issubstantially pure. “Substantially pure” refers to crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) in isolated form that is at least about 90% by weightpure or free of impurities, including other polymorphic forms. In oneembodiment, the substantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I)is at least about 95% by weight pure. In another embodiment, thesubstantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I) is at least about96% by weight pure. In another embodiment, the substantially purecrystalline Form II of Compound (I) is at least about 97% by weightpure. In another embodiment, the substantially pure crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) is at least about 98% by weight pure. In anotherembodiment, the substantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I)is at least about 99% by weight pure. In another embodiment, thesubstantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I) is at least about99.5% by weight pure. In another embodiment, the substantially purecrystalline Form II of Compound (I) is at least about 99.6% by weightpure. In another embodiment, the substantially pure crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) is at least about 99.7% by weight pure. In anotherembodiment, the substantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I)is at least about 99.8% by weight pure. In another embodiment, thesubstantially pure crystalline Form II of Compound (I) is at least about99.9% by weight pure. Percent purity may be assessed by any method knownin the art, such gas chromatography (GC), column chromatography (CC),liquid chromatography (LC), high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC),thin layer chromatography (TLC), mass spectrometry (MS) and/orhigh-resolution mass spectrometry (FIRMS).

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits an X-ray powder diffractionpattern comprising peaks of 2-theta angles of about 5.9 and 8.8 degreesthat correspond, respectively, to d-spacing at about 14.9 and 10.0Angstroms (Å).

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits an X-ray powder diffractionpattern substantially as shown in FIG. 1A. In another embodiment, thecompound further exhibits at least one of: an ultraviolet absorbancespectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 2, an infrared spectrumsubstantially as shown in FIG. 3, a proton nuclear magnetic resonancespectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 4, a ¹³C nuclear magneticresonance spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 5, a thermogravimetricanalysis curve substantially as shown in FIG. 6, and a differentialscanning calorimetry thermogram substantially as shown in FIG. 7.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits an ultraviolet absorbancespectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, theultraviolet absorbance spectrum comprises an absorbance maximum at about236±2 nm.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits an infrared spectrumsubstantially as shown in FIG. 3.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits a proton nuclear magneticresonance spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 4. In anotherembodiment, the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum comprisespeaks substantially as set out in Table 1.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits a ¹³C nuclear magneticresonance spectrum comprises peaks substantially as shown in FIG. 5. Inanother embodiment, the ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrumcomprises peaks substantially as set out in Table 2.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits a thermogravimetricanalysis curve substantially as shown in FIG. 6. In another embodiment,the thermogravimetric analysis curve corresponds to a weight loss ofabout 0.16% up to about 250° C.

In another embodiment, the compound exhibits a differential scanningcalorimetry thermogram substantially as shown in FIG. 7. In anotherembodiment, the differential scanning calorimetry thermogram comprisesan endothermic peak at a temperature of about 124° C.

Also provided herein is a crystalline Form I of Compound (I) asdescribed in FIG. 1B. The purity of Form I can be at least about 50%, atleast about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about90%, or at least about 95%.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) asin any of the embodiments described above. In one embodiment, thecrystalline Form II of Compound (I) is substantially pure as in any ofthe embodiments described above. Also provided herein is apharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of crystallineForm I of Compound (I) as described herein.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of Compound (I) in particulate form withan X90 particle size of about 10 μm or less. In one embodiment, the X90particle size is about 8 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X90particle size is about 6 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X90particle size is about 5 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X90particle size is between about 1 μm and about 10 μm. In anotherembodiment, the X90 particle size is between about 2 μm and about 8 μm.In another embodiment, the X90 particle size is between about 3 μm andabout 6 μm. In another embodiment, the X90 particle size is betweenabout 4 μm and about 5 μm. In another embodiment, the X90 particle sizeis about 4.5 μm. Other exemplary embodiments of the X90 particle sizeinclude about 4 μm, about 3.5 μm, about 3 μm, about 2.5 μm, about 2 μm,about 1.5 μm, about 1 μm, about 0.9 μm, about 0.8 μm, about 0.7 μm,about 0.6 μm, about 0.5 μm, about 0.4 μm, about 0.3 μm, about 0.2 μm,and about 0.1 μm. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is crystallineForm II. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is substantially purecrystalline Form II. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) iscrystalline Form I.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of Compound (I) in particulate form withan X50 particle size of about 5 μm or less. In one embodiment, the X50particle size is about 4 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X50particle size is about 3 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X50particle size is about 3 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X50particle size is about 2 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X50particle size is between about 1 μm and about 5 μm. In anotherembodiment, the X50 particle size is between about 1 μm and about 4 μm.In another embodiment, the X50 particle size is between about 1 μm andabout 3 μm. In another embodiment, the X50 particle size is betweenabout 1 μm and about 2 μm. In another embodiment, the X50 particle sizeis about 2 μm. In another embodiment, the X50 particle size is about 1.9μm.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of Compound (I) in particulate form withan X10 particle size of about 2 μm or less. In one embodiment, the X10particle size is about 1 μm or less. In another embodiment, the X10particle size is between about 0.1 μm and about 1 μm. In anotherembodiment, the X10 particle size is between about 0.1 μm and about 0.9μm. In another embodiment, the X10 particle size is between about 0.5 μmand about 0.9 μm. In another embodiment, the X10 particle size isbetween about 0.7 μm and about 0.8 μm. In another embodiment, the X10particle size is about 0.8 μm. In another embodiment, the X50 particlesize is about 7.9 μm.

In some embodiments of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein,the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipientsinclude those described above, such as carriers, surface active agents,thickening or emulsifying agents, solid binders, dispersion orsuspension aids, solubilizers, colorants, flavoring agents, coatings,disintegrating agents, lubricants, sweeteners, preservatives, isotonicagents, and any combination thereof. The selection and use ofpharmaceutically acceptable excipients is taught, e.g., in Remington:The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21^(st) Ed. (Lippincott Williams &Wilkins, Baltimore, Md., 2005).

In some embodiments of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein,the pharmaceutical composition further comprises at least one additionalactive agent. Examples of such active agent include: (1) non-steroidalanti-inflammatory agents; (2) COX-2 inhibitors; (3) bradykinin B1receptor antagonists; (4) sodium channel blockers and antagonists; (5)nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors; (6) glycine site antagonists;(7) potassium channel openers; (8) AMPA/kainate receptor antagonists;(9) calcium channel antagonists; (10) GABA-A receptor modulators (e.g.,a GABA-A receptor agonist); (11) matrix metalloprotease (MMP)inhibitors; (12) thrombolytic agents; (13) opioids such as morphine;(14) neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF); (15) L-Dopa; (16) carbidopa;(17) levodopa/carbidopa; (18) dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine,pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole; (19) anticholinergics; (20)amantadine; (21) carbidopa; (22) catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT)inhibitors such as entacapone and tolcapone; (23) Monoamine oxidase B(MAO-B) inhibitors; (24) opiate agonists or antagonists; (25) 5HTreceptor agonists or antagonists; (26) NMDA receptor agonists orantagonists; (27) NK1 antagonists; (28) selective serotonin reuptakeinhibitors (SSRI) and selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptakeinhibitors (SSNRI); (29) tricyclic antidepressant drugs, (30)norepinephrine modulators; (31) lithium; (32) valproate; (33) D-serine;(34) neurontin (gabapentin); (35) antitussives; (36) antihistamines(e.g., first generation antihistamines); (37) decongestants; (38)expectorants; (39) mucolytics; (40) antipyretics; and (41) analgesics.

In some embodiments of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein,the pharmaceutical composition further contains an anti-hypertensiveagent. In some embodiments, the anti-hypertensive agent is anα₁-adrenoreceptor antagonist or an α₂-adrenoreceptor antagonist.Non-limiting examples of α₁-adrenoreceptor antagonists includedoxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, indoramin, metabolites thereof, andanalogs thereof non-limiting examples of α2-adrenoreceptor antagonistsinclude clonidine, guanabenz, guanoxabenz, metabolite thereof, andanalogs thereof.

The pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared as any appropriate unitdosage form. For example, the pharmaceutical compositions can beformulated for administration in solid or liquid form, including thoseadapted for the following: (1) oral administration, for example, asdrenches, tablets (such as those targeted for buccal, sublingual andsystemic absorption, including over-encapsulation tablets), capsules(such as dry filled, hard gelatin, soft gelatin or over-encapsulationcapsules), caplets, boluses, powders, sachets, granules, pastes, mouthsprays, troches, lozenges, pellets, syrups, suspensions, elixirs,liquids, liposomes, emulsions and microemulsions; or (2) parenteraladministration by, for example, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenousor epidural injection as, for example, a sterile solution or suspension.Additionally, the pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated forimmediate, sustained, extended, delayed or controlled release.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oraladministration. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition isin tablet or capsule form. In another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcomposition is in tablet form. In another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcomposition is in capsule form. In another embodiment, the tablet orcapsule is formulated for immediate release. In another embodiment, thetablet or capsule is formulated for sustained, extended, delayed orcontrolled release.

Tablets can be made by compression or molding, optionally with one ormore accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets can be prepared bycompressing in a suitable machine Compound (I) in a free-flowing formsuch as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant,inert diluent, preservative, surface-active or dispersing agent. Moldedtablets can be made by molding in a suitable machine a mixture of thepowdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tabletscan be optionally coated or scored and can be formulated so as toprovide sustained, extended, delayed or controlled release of Compound(I). Methods of formulating such sustained, extended, delayed orcontrolled release compositions are known in the art and disclosed inissued U.S. patents, including but not limited to U.S. Pat. Nos.4,369,174, 4,842,866, and the references cited therein. Coatings can beused for delivery of compounds to the intestine (see, e.g., U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,638,534, 5,217,720, 6,569,457, and the references cited therein).In addition to tablets, other dosage forms, such as capsules,granulations and gel-caps, can be formulated to provide sustained,extended, delayed or controlled release of Compound (I).

In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated forparenteral administration. Examples of a pharmaceutical compositionsuitable for parenteral administration include aqueous sterile injectionsolutions and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions, each containing,for example, anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and/or solutes thatrender the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intendedrecipient; and aqueous sterile suspensions and non-aqueous sterilesuspensions, each containing, for example, suspending agents and/orthickening agents. The formulations can be presented in unit-dose ormulti-dose containers, for example, sealed ampules or vials, and can bestored in a freeze dried (lyophilized) condition requiring only theaddition of a sterile liquid carrier, such as water, immediately priorto use. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is formulatedfor intravenous administration.

In another embodiment, the effective amount of the Compound (I) orcrystalline Form (I) or (II) of Compound I is between about 1 mg andabout 200 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amount is betweenabout 4 mg and about 16 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amountis between about 4 mg and about 12 mg. In another embodiment, theeffective amount is between about 4 mg and about 8 mg. In anotherembodiment, the effective amount is between about 8 mg and about 20 mg.In another embodiment, the effective amount is between about 12 mg andabout 20 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amount is betweenabout 16 mg and about 20 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amountis between about 8 mg and about 20 mg. In another embodiment, theeffective amount is between about 8 mg and about 16 mg. In anotherembodiment, the effective amount is between about 8 mg and about 12 mg.In another embodiment, the effective amount is between about 12 mg andabout 20 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amount is betweenabout 12 mg and about 16 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amountis about 4 mg. In another embodiment, the effective amount is about 8mg. In another embodiment, the effective amount is about 12 mg. Inanother embodiment, the effective amount is about 16 mg. In anotherembodiment, the effective amount is about 20 mg.

In connection with the embodiments described herein, there is alsoprovided a kit containing the above disclosed Compound (I) and asecondary agent. In an exemplary embodiment, the kit contains Compound(I) and one or more secondary agent selected from a selective serotoninreuptake inhibitor (S SRI), a selective serotonin and norepinephrinereuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), a tricyclic antidepressant drug, anorepinephrine modulator, an antitussive, an antihistamine, adecongestant, an expectorants, a mucolytics, a antipyretics, ananalgesics, and an anti-hypertensive agent. In some embodiments, two ormore ingredients (Compound (I) and secondary agents) may be administeredsimultaneously.

In some embodiments, the kit may include an anti-hypertensive agent as asecondary. In some embodiments, the anti-hypertensive agent is anα₁-adrenoreceptor blocker. Non-limiting examples of α₁-adrenoreceptorantagonists include doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, indoramin,metabolites thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, andanalogs thereof.

In some embodiments, the agents can be administered sequentially. Thespecific administration mode and dosing schedule can be determined byone of ordinary skill in the art (e.g. a practicing physician) withoutundue experimentation.

Methods of Use

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating orpreventing a condition responsive to an NR2B antagonist, comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount ofcrystalline Form I or II of Compound (I) or a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising crystalline Form I or II of Compound (I). In one embodiment,the method is of treating a condition responsive to an NR2B antagonist.In another embodiment, the crystalline Form II is substantially pure asin any of the embodiments described above.

In another embodiment, the condition responsive to an NR2B antagonist isa depressive disorder. In another embodiment, the condition is majordepressive disorder (MDD). In another embodiment, the condition istreatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRMDD). In anotherembodiment, the condition is bipolar disorder with depressive feature.In another embodiment, the condition is anxiety disorder. In anotherembodiment, the condition is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Inanother embodiment, the condition is a depressive disorder, MDD or TRMDDwith suicidal ideation.

In another embodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition isadministered with food. In another embodiment, the compound orpharmaceutical composition is administered without food.

Also provided is a method of targeting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)receptor subunit 2B (GluN2B) expressed on a cell by administering to asubject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of Form I orForm II of compound I, allowing sufficient amount of time for thecompound to bind to GluN2B. As explained above, GluN2B plays a key rolein various diseases including for example schizophrenia, stroke,traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, cerebral ischemia,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, sensorineuralhearing loss, tinnitus, glaucoma, neurological damage caused byepileptic seizures or by neurotoxin poisoning or by impairment ofglucose and/or oxygen to the brain, vision loss caused byneurodegeneration of the visual pathway, Restless Leg Syndrome,multi-system atrophy, non-vascular headache, chronic (or chronicpersistent), subchronic or acute cough, primary hyperalgesia, secondaryhyperalgesia, primary allodynia, secondary allodynia, or other paincaused by central sensitization, dyskinesias (such as the side effectsaccompanying normal doses of L-Dopa), depressive disorders (such as,major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant MDD), trauma-and stressor-related disorders (such as acute stress disorder andposttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), bipolar disorders with depressivefeatures, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive and relateddisorders. By antagonizing GluN2B with the compound I (Form I or II),the present invention provides a novel approach in treatingGluN2B-associated diseases.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating orpreventing a condition responsive to an NR2B antagonist, comprisingadministering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount ofCompound (I) in particulate form (Form I or Form II) with an X90, X50 orX10 particle size as in any of the embodiments described above. In oneembodiment, the method is of treating a condition responsive to an NR2Bantagonist. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is crystalline FormII as in any of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment,the crystalline Form II is substantially pure as in any of theembodiments described above. In another embodiment, the conditionresponsive to an NR2B antagonist is a depressive disorder. In anotherembodiment, the condition is major depressive disorder (MDD). In anotherembodiment, the condition is treatment-resistant major depressivedisorder (TRMDD). In another embodiment, the condition is a depressivedisorder, MDD or TRMDD with suicidal ideation. In one embodiment, thecompound or pharmaceutical composition is administered with food. Inanother embodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition isadministered without food.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating orpreventing suicidal ideation, comprising administering an effectiveamount of Compound (I) (Form I or Form II) to a patient who has, issuspected of having, or has been diagnosed with having suicidalideation. In one embodiment, the method is of treating suicidalideation. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is in particulate formwith an X90, X50 or X10 particle size as in any of the embodimentsdescribed above. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is crystallineForm II as in any of the embodiments described above. In anotherembodiment, the crystalline Form II is substantially pure as in any ofthe embodiments described above. In another embodiment, the Compound (I)is crystalline Form I as in any of the embodiments described above.

In another embodiment, the patient has been diagnosed with havingsuicidal ideation within about 4 weeks prior to administration of thecompound. In another embodiment, the patient has been further diagnosedwith having a depressive disorder. In another embodiment, the patienthas been further diagnosed with having major depressive disorder (MDD).In another embodiment, the patient has been further diagnosed withhaving treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRMDD). In oneembodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition is administeredwith food. In another embodiment, the compound or pharmaceuticalcomposition is administered without food.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of reducingabsorption rate of Compound (I) comprising administering to a patient inneed thereof an effective amount of the Compound (I) (Form I or Form II)with food, wherein the Compound (I) is administered either substantiallyconcurrently with, or up to about 2 hours after, or up to about 30minutes before administration of food. In one embodiment, the Compound(I) is in particulate form with an X90, X50 or X10 particle size as inany of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment, theCompound (I) is crystalline Form II as in any of the embodimentsdescribed above. In another embodiment, the crystalline Form II issubstantially pure as in any of the embodiments described above.

In another embodiment, the method results in a lower C_(max) or a higherT_(max) compared to that of a method comprising administering theCompound (I) without food. In another embodiment, the Compound (I) isadministered either substantially concurrently with, or up to about 90minutes after, or up to about 15 minutes before administration of food.In another embodiment, the Compound (I) is administered eithersubstantially concurrently with, or up to about 60 minutes after, or upto about 10 minutes before administration of food. In anotherembodiment, the Compound (I) is administered substantially concurrentlywith administration of food.

In any of the methods provided herein, administration of the compound orpharmaceutical composition may be via any accepted mode known in theart, such as orally or parenterally. The term “parenterally” includeswithout limitation subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly,intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intrasternally,intracranially, by intraosseous injection and by infusion techniques. Inone embodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition isadministered orally. In another embodiment, the compound orpharmaceutical composition is administered parenterally. In anotherembodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition is administeredintravenously.

In any of the methods provided herein, the method may further comprisemonitoring the patient's blood pressure; and if hypertension isdetected, administering an anti-hypertensive to the patient.

In any of the methods provided herein, the compound or pharmaceuticalcomposition may be used in combination with at least one additionalactive agent as disclosed above. The compound or pharmaceuticalcomposition may be administered with the at least one additional activeagent either together in a single composition or separately inindividual compositions at substantially the same time or at differenttimes (e.g., sequentially). Examples of such active agent include: (1)non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents; (2) COX-2 inhibitors; (3)bradykinin B1 receptor antagonists; (4) sodium channel blockers andantagonists; (5) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors; (6) glycinesite antagonists; (7) potassium channel openers; (8) AMPA/kainatereceptor antagonists; (9) calcium channel antagonists; (10) GABA-Areceptor modulators (e.g., a GABA-A receptor agonist); (11) matrixmetalloprotease (MMP) inhibitors; (12) thrombolytic agents; (13) opioidssuch as morphine; (14) neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF); (15) L-Dopa;(16) carbidopa; (17) levodopa/carbidopa; (18) dopamine agonists such asbromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole; (19)anticholinergics; (20) amantadine; (21) carbidopa; (22) catecholO-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors such as entacapone and tolcapone;(23) Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors; (24) opiate agonists orantagonists; (25) 5HT receptor agonists or antagonists; (26) NMDAreceptor agonists or antagonists; (27) NK1 antagonists; (28) selectiveserotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and selective serotonin andnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRI); (29) tricyclicantidepressant drugs, (30) norepinephrine modulators; (31) lithium; (32)valproate; (33) D-serine; and (34) neurontin (gabapentin); (35)antitussives; (36) antihistamines (e.g., first generationantihistamines); (37) decongestants; (38) expectorants; (39) mucolytics;(40) antipyretics; and (41) analgesics. In some embodiments, thecompound or pharmaceutical composition is administered with at least oneadditional active agent selected from antitussives, first generationantihistamines, decongestants, expectorants, mucolytics, antipyretics,analgesics.

In some embodiments, the compound or pharmaceutical composition isadministered as an adjunct to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor(SSNRI). Examples of SSRI and SSNRI include binedaline,m-chloropiperzine, citalopram, duloxetine, etoperidone, femoxetine,fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, indalpine, indeloxazine, milnacipran,nefazodone, oxaflazone, paroxetine, prolintane, ritanserin, sertraline,tandospirone, venlafaxine and zimeldine. In another embodiment, themethod improves the efficacy of the SSRI or SSNRI in the treatment orprevention of a condition responsive to an NR2B antagonist. In anotherembodiment, the method reduces the time it takes for a patient torespond to treatment with an SSRI or SSNRI. In another embodiment, themethod reduces the dose of SSRI or SSNRI that a patient would otherwiseneed. In another embodiment, the method reduces the severity of acondition or the number or severity of symptoms associated with acondition. In another embodiment, the condition is a depressivedisorder. In another embodiment, the condition is major depressivedisorder (MDD). In another embodiment, the condition istreatment-resistant major depressive disorder (TRMDD). In anotherembodiment, the condition is a depressive disorder, MDD or TRMDD withsuicidal ideation. The adjunct may be administered with the at least oneadditional treatment either together in a single composition orseparately in individual compositions at substantially the same time orat different times.

In any of the methods provided herein, Compound (I) (Form I or Form II)may be administered in conjunction with an anti-hypertensive agent. Theuse of Compound (I) may be associated with an increase in blood pressurethat is likely due to increased α₁-adrenergic tone in peripheralarterioles mediated by circulating norepinephrine. The increase on bloodpressure is mostly transient as it relates to arteriolarvasoconstriction, in contrast to other frequent causes of hypertensionsuch as cardiac stimulation, arterial wall hypertrophy, salt retentionand fluid overload.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the anti-hypertensive agent is anα₁-adrenoreceptor, that blocks peripheral α₁-adrenergic receptors.Non-limiting examples of α₁-adrenoreceptor antagonists includeDoxazosin, Prazosin, Terazosin, indoramin, metabolites thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and analogs thereof. Theseagents are highly selective for al-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha1A,alpha1B, alpha1D). When given in large doses, they do not inhibit theα₂-adrenoceptors (alpha2A, alpha2B, alpha2C), the β-adrenoceptors(beta1, beta2, beta3), or other receptors such as acetylcholine(muscarinic), dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin)receptors. In some embodiments, the anti-hypertensive agent is anα₂-adrenoreceptor antagonist, that reduces central adrenergic outflow.Non-limiting examples of α₂-adrenoreceptor antagonists includeclonidine, guanabenz, guanoxabenz, metabolite thereof, and analogsthereof. Compound (I) and the anti-hypertensive agent may beadministered simultaneously or separately. These agents stimulateα2-adrenoceptors and inhibit brainstem vasomotor center-mediatednorepinephrine release.

Other suitable antihypertensives include calcium channel blockers,diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.Non-limiting examples of calcium channel blockers include diltiazem,amlodipine, verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine, amlodipine, felodipine,isradipine, nicardipine, cinnarizine, nisoldipine, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof. Non-limiting examples of diuretics includethiazide diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, loop diuretics, andpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Non-limiting examples ofangiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors include alacepril,benazepril, benazeprilat, captopril, ceronapril, cilazapril, delapril,enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, imidapril, lisinopril, moexipril,moveltopril, perindopril, quinapril, quinaprilat, ramipril, ramiprilat,spirapril, temocapril, trandolapril, zofenopril, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof.

The antihypertensives described herein may be used in any suitableforms. Examples include doxazosin mesylate, prazosin hydrochloride, andterazosin hydrochloride.

Because the transient increase in blood pressure relates to theincreased al-adrenergic tone in peripheral arterioles mediated bycirculating norepinephrine, blocking the α1-adrenoceptor orα2-adrenoceptor is able effectively to mitigate the blood pressureeffect. In some embodiments, the active ingredient of theanti-hypertensive agent consists essentially of an al-adrenoreceptorantagonist, an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist, or both. In some embodiments,the active ingredient of the anti-hypertensive agent consistsessentially of an al-adrenoreceptor antagonist. The above describedal-adrenoreceptor antagonist or α2-adrenoceptor antagonist can beadministered before, during, or after the administration of Compound(I). In exemplary embodiments, the anti-hypertensive agent isadministered 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100 minutes prior to theadministration of Compound (I). In other exemplary embodiments, theanti-hypertensive agent is administered 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 100minutes after the administration of Compound (I). In some embodiments,the antihypertensive agent is administered at about the same time orsequentially with the administration of Compound (I). In someembodiments, the α₁-adrenoreceptor antagonist or α₂-adrenoceptorantagonist is administered only in the above described timeframe tocontrol the transient blood pressure effect from Compound (I). In someembodiments, the α₁-adrenoreceptor antagonist or α₂-adrenoceptorantagonist is administered within 5, 10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes of theadministration of Compound (I).

The effective amount or unit dosage of the hypertensive agent may rangefrom about of between 0.001 to 100 mg/kg. of body weight. In someexemplary embodiments, the effective amount will be about 0.5 mg to 2500mg, in yet some other embodiments about 5 mg to 50 mg.

In any of the methods provided herein, the compound or pharmaceuticalcomposition may be administered intermittently. In some embodiments, thecompound, secondary agent, combination of agents, or pharmaceuticalcomposition may be independently administered once, twice, three times,four times or more per day. In some embodiments, the compound, secondaryagent, combination of agents, or pharmaceutical composition may beindependently administered once every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 14, 15,10 or 30 days.

In any of the methods provided herein, the effective amount or unitdosage of Compound (I) may be between about 1 mg and about 2000 mgdaily, weekly or intermittently. For daily administration, the effectiveamount may be divided into two, three or more doses for multipleadministrations a day. In one embodiment, the effective amount isbetween about 1 mg/day and about 60 mg/day. In another embodiment, theeffective amount is between about 4 mg/day and about 20 mg/day. Inanother embodiment, the effective amount is between about 4 mg/day andabout 8 mg/day. In another embodiment, the effective amount is about 4mg/day. In another embodiment, the effective amount is about 8 mg/day.In another embodiment, the effective amount is about 16 mg/day. Inanother embodiment, the effective amount is about 20 mg/day. In anotherembodiment, the effective amount is between about 4 mg and about 60 mgintermittently. In another embodiment, the effective amount is betweenabout 4 mg and about 60 mg intermittently throughout a 24 hour period.In another embodiment, the effective amount is between about 4 mg/dayand about 20 mg/day intermittently throughout a 24 hour period. Inanother embodiment, the effective amount is between about 4 mg/day andabout 8 mg/day intermittently throughout a 24 hour period.

Compound (I) may be administered intermittently in any of the methods ofthe present invention described herein. As exemplified in FIG. 13,Compound (I) demonstrated marketed effects in immobility, climbing andswimming 24 hours after administration. Accordingly, Compound (I) can beadministered intermittently to achieve sustained therapeutic effects. Insome embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount or unit dosage ofCompound (I) is between about 4 mg and about 2000 mg intermittentlythroughout 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 day period.Examples of intermittent administration include the administration of atherapeutically effect amount or a unit dosage of about 1, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200,300, 400, or 500 mg of Compound (I) once every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 14,15, 20, or 30 day period. In some embodiments, Compound (I) existssubstantially in Form II. In further examples, such effective amount orunit dosage is administered once every day, once every 7 days, onceevery two weeks, once every 3 weeks, or once every month. In anotherembodiment, the effective amount is between about 8 mg and about 200 mgintermittently throughout a 7 day period. In another embodiment, theeffective amount is between about 12 mg and about 60 mg intermittentlythroughout a 7 day period. In another embodiment, the effective amountis between about 16 mg and about 60 mg intermittently throughout a 7 dayperiod. In another embodiment, the effective amount is between about 20mg and about 60 mg intermittently throughout a 7 day period.

There may be an interval of between about 1 and 30 days between days ofadministration of Compound (I). Depending on the disease condition,treatment response and phase of treatment, the length of the intervalmay vary accordingly. For example, each interval may independently be 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 day long. In an exemplary embodiment, aninitial administration of the compound on the first day may be followedby a 2-day interval before a second administration on the third day,which is then followed by a 6-day interval before a thirdadministration.

In some embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the compound orpharmaceutical composition is administered at a weight base dose.Therefore, in some embodiments, the effective amount is about 0.01 toabout 1 mg/kg daily or intermittently.

The dose level can be adjusted for intravenous administration. In suchcase, the compound or pharmaceutical composition can be administered inan amount of between about 0.01 μg/kg/min to about 100 μg/kg/min.

In some embodiments, the administration regimen comprises a firstinitiation phase and a second maintenance phase. The dose in the firstphase serves to reach a desirable therapeutic level whereas the dose ofthe second phase provides a sustained therapeutic effect. The daily doseof the first initiation phase may be more, less than or the same as thatof the maintenance phase. The effective amount of Compound (I) for eachphase may be, for example, between about 4 mg and about 60 mg daily orintermittently. Independently during each phase, the compound orpharmaceutical composition can be administered 1, 2, 3, 4 or more timeson the day of administration. The length of the initiation phase may beany suitable period of time from a day to a week or a month, includingfor example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 15 days. The maintenancephase may last from days to years or as long as needed. In exemplaryembodiments, the intermittent dosing schedule for initiation phase andmaintenance phase independently includes administration of the compoundevery two days, every three days, every four days, every five days,every six days, every week, every 10 days, every two weeks, or everymonth. The effective amount for the initiation phase and the maintenancephase is independently selected from the range or value describe abovefor daily or intermittent administration.

With each of the above phases, additional adjustment in the dose anddosing schedule can be made. The adjustment will depend on the specificcircumstances (for example, the presence or absence of a predispositionto the disease or condition being treated, the severity or expectedseverity of the disease, or the age or general health of the patient),even doses outside the aforementioned ranges may be in order. Forexample, the initiation phase may start with a higher daily dose thanthe dose for rest of the administration regimen. The administration mayalso include a toleration phase, where the compound is administered to asubject at a dose and for a period sufficient to allow thesubject/patient to tolerate the dose without showing any adverseeffects. The dose can then be increased at selected intervals of timeuntil a therapeutic dose is achieved. The particular dose given thespecific circumstances can be determined by a physician or otherhealth-care professional of ordinary skill.

These compositions of the present invention may contain immediaterelease, sustained or extended release, delayed release components, orcombinations thereof. The preparation of pharmaceutical orpharmacological compositions are known to those of skill in the art inlight of the present disclosure. General techniques for formulation andadministration are found in “Remington: The Science and Practice ofPharmacy, Twentieth Edition,” Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,Philadelphia, Pa. Tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, dragées,gels, slurries, ointments, solutions suppositories, injections,inhalants and aerosols are examples of such formulations. For instance,extended or modified release oral formulation can be prepared usingmethods known in the art. An extended release form of the pharmaceuticalcomposition may be a matrix tablet or capsule composition.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of increasingbioavailability of Compound (I), comprising administering to a patientin need thereof an effective amount of Compound (I), or a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising Compound (I), wherein the Compound (I) is inparticulate form with an X90, X50 or X10 particle size as in any of theembodiments described above. In one embodiment, the Compound (I) iscrystalline Form II as in any of the embodiments described above. Inanother embodiment, the crystalline Form II is substantially pure as inany of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment, theCompound (I) is crystalline Form I as in any of the embodimentsdescribed above.

In another embodiment, the method results in a higher area under thecurve compared to that of a method comprising administering Compound (I)having an X90 particle size of about 10 μm or higher. In anotherembodiment, the method results in a higher area under the curve comparedto that of a method comprising administering Compound (I) having an X90particle size of about 11 μm or higher. In another embodiment, themethod results in a higher area under the curve compared to that of amethod comprising administering Compound (I) having an X90 particle sizeof about 12 μm or higher. In another embodiment, the method results in ahigher area under the curve compared to that of a method comprisingadministering Compound (I) having an X90 particle size of about 13 μm orhigher. In another embodiment, the method results in a higher area underthe curve compared to that of a method comprising administering Compound(I) having an X90 particle size of about 14 μm or higher.

In another embodiment, the method results in a higher area under thecurve compared to that of a method comprising administering Compound (I)having a D43 particle size of about 10 μm or higher. In anotherembodiment, the method results in a higher area under the curve comparedto that of a method comprising administering Compound (I) having a D43particle size of about 11 μm or higher. In another embodiment, themethod results in a higher area under the curve compared to that of amethod comprising administering Compound (I) having an D43 particle sizeof about 12 μm or higher. In another embodiment, the method results in ahigher area under the curve compared to that of a method comprisingadministering Compound (I) having a D43 particle size of about 13 μm orhigher. In another embodiment, the method results in a higher area underthe curve compared to that of a method comprising administering Compound(I) having a D43 particle size of about 14 μm or higher.

In one embodiment, the compound or pharmaceutical composition isadministered with food. In another embodiment, the compound orpharmaceutical composition is administered without food.

Methods of Manufacture

Another aspect of the invention provides a method for the conversionfrom compound A to compound B under transition metal catalyzedhydrogenation conditions:

Wherein R′ is

1). OH;

2). NH2: or

3). NHHet, wherein Het is a 5 or 6 membered heteroaromatic ringcontaining 1 or 2 nitrogen ring atoms, thiazolyl, or thiadiazolyl, theNH is linked to a carbon ortho to a nitrogen on the Het ring, and Het isoptionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents, each substituentindependently is C1-4alkyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

Examples of compound A include:

Besides Bn (Benzyl) and Bz (Benzoyl), other protecting groups may alsobe used to prepare analogs of compound A.

Various transition metals, including for example palladium andruthenium, can be used as the catalyst. The catalyst can be preparedfrom transition precursor complexes and suitable ligands. For example,ruthenium precursor complexes include [(COD)]RhCl]2 and similarcomplexes employing cationic OTf⁻ and BF₄ ⁻ salts. Suitable ligandsinclude, for example, Josiphos and Walphos:

In some embodiments, compound A may exist in an acid form such as HClsalt, toluenesulfonic acid (TSA) salt, and methanesulfonic acid (MSA)salt. Various solvents, including co-solvents of two or more solventsmay be used in the hydrogenation reaction. The exact condition, such asthe ratio of the catalyst to the substrate and the amount of the ligand,can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art without undueexperimentation.

Novel methods have been developed to prepare Compound (I) andcrystalline Form I or II of Compound (I) in high purity on a largescale. The methods provided herein differ from the methods disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 7,592,360 and PCT International Publication No. WO2006/069287 in many respects, including the type and amount ofreactants, intermediates, reaction conditions, and inclusion or omissionof specific steps. For example, neither of the methods disclosed in the'360 patent and the '287 PCT publication includes steps for convertingForm I of Compound (I) into Form II. Furthermore, whereas the methodsprovided herein use intermediate Compound (8)

the method disclosed in the '360 patent uses the intermediate(±)-((cis)-3-fluoro-1-{[(4-methylbenzyl)oxy]carbonyl}piperidin-4-yl)aceticacid

Additionally, the methods provided herein use different reactants,amounts of reactants and reaction conditions than those recited in the'287 PCT publication.

One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of preparing Compound (I)comprising:

-   -   (i) reacting Compound (8)

with triflic anhydride to yield a triflate;

-   -   (ii) reacting the triflate with ammonia to yield Compound (9)

and

-   -   (iii) reacting the Compound (9) with 2-chloropyrimidine to yield        Form I of Compound (I).

In one embodiment, the method further comprises seeding Form I ofCompound (II) with Form II of Compound (I).

In another embodiment, the method further comprises reacting Compound(6)

with carbonyldiimidazole and Compound (7)

to yield Compound (8).

In another embodiment, the method further comprises debenzylatingCompound (5)

with hydrogen over palladium to yield Compound (6).

In another embodiment, the method further comprises reducing Compound(4)

with chloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium (I) dimer under hydrogenatmosphere to yield Compound (5).

In another embodiment, the method further comprises purifying theCompound (I). In another embodiment, the purifying comprises slurryingor recrystallization. In another embodiment, the purifying comprisesslurrying followed by recrystallization. In some embodiments, Form I ofCompound (I) is purified by recrystallization in a suitable solvent suchas ethyl acetate or a co-solvent including ethyl acetate and heptane.

Form I of Compound (I) can be converted to Form II in different ways. Insome embodiments, Form I of Compound (I) in solid state is heated to atemperature above room temperature for a desirable period of time.Exemplary temperatures for promoting such conversion includes about 50°C., 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100° C., 105° C., 110° C., 115° C.,120° C., 125° C., 130° C., 135° C., 140° C., and 150° C. In someembodiments, the temperature ranges from about 90-135° C., all subrangesincluded. In some more exemplary embodiments, the temperature is about100-105° C., 100-110° C., or 100-115° C. The heating can be maintainedfor a period, for example from about 1 minute to 30 hours, all subrangesincluded. Exemplary length of heating include about 10 minutes, 20minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 5hours, 10 hours and 24 hours.

Form II of Compound (I) may also be obtained by the slurrying of Form Iin a suitable solvent or co-solvents. Stirring or heating may beapplied. In an exemplary embodiment, Form I of Compound (I) can besuspended in water at room temperature for over 24 hours. If necessary,the time can be further extended to allow the complete conversion ofForm I to Form II.

Subsequent to the conversion of Form I of Compound (I), Form II may beisolated using routine steps. In some embodiments, the isolationincludes filtration and/or washing with a suitable solvent.

Large scale production of Form II can be achieved by seeding Form I withForm II. Seeding is an important step to induce the growth of crystalmaterial from a small crystal of the target form. A system of a singlesolvent or multiple solvents may be used for seeding and crystal growth.In some embodiments, the system contains the co-solvent of methanol andacetic acid.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are presented for illustrative purposes andshould not serve to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Example 1: Preparation of Compound (I) and Crystalline Form II

Abbreviations used herein denote the following:

-   -   ACN=acetonitrile    -   AcOH=acetic acid    -   BnBr=benzyl bromide    -   CDI=1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole    -   Darco G=activated charcoal    -   DCM=dichloromethane    -   DIPA=diisopropylamine    -   DMF=dimethylformamide    -   EtOAc=ethyl acetate    -   HCl=hydrogen chloride    -   iProAc=isopropyl acetate    -   MeOH=methanol    -   NaBH₄=sodium borohydride    -   NaCl=sodium chloride    -   NaOH=sodium hydroxide    -   NH₃=ammonia    -   Pd/C=palladium on carbon    -   [RhCODCl]₂=chloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium (I) dimer (also        known as 1,5-cyclooctadienerhodium (I) chloride dimer,        bis(1,5-cyclooctadiene)dirhodium (I) dichloride,        di-μ-chlorobis[(1,2,5,6-η)-1,5-cyclooctadiene]dirhodium,        rhodium (I) chloride 1,5-cyclooctadiene complex dimer, and        [Rh(COD)Cl]₂)    -   RT=room temperature    -   THF=tetrahydrofuran

Step 1

Compound 1 was treated with LDA and then reacted with DMF to produce anin situ aldehyde intermediate, which was reduced with NaBH₄ to yieldCompound 2. Purification of compound 2 was completed byrecrystallization.

Step 2

Compound 2 was reacted with benzyl bromide to yield Compound 3.

Step 3

Compound 3 was reduced with NaBH₄ to produce Compound 4 as the HCl salt.Purification of Compound 4 was completed by recrystallization.

Step 4

An asymmetric reduction of compound 4 using Walphos under hydrogenatmosphere produced Compound 5.

Step 5

Compound 5 was then deprotected (debenzylated) with a further reductionstep using hydrogen over palladium to yield Compound 6.

Step 6

Compound 6 was coupled with 4-methylbenzylalcohol (compound 7) andcarbonyldiimidazole to produce Compound 8.

Step 7

Compound 8 was then converted to an in-situ triflate, which was furtherreacted with ammonia to yield Compound 9.

Step 8

Compound 9 was reacted with chloropyrimidine to produce crude Form I ofCompound (I) or 4-methylbenzyl (3S,4R)-3-fluoro-4-[(pyrimidin-2-ylamino) methyl] piperidine-1-carboxylate.Form I of Compound (I) was seeded with Form II of Compound (I).Purification by slurrying in the presence of Darco G60 followed byrecrystallization produced purified Form II, that was co-milled to thedesired particle size distribution.

Example 2: X-Ray Powder Diffraction Pattern

Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) was characterized using X-ray powderdiffraction (XRPD) (FIG. 1A). The XRPD pattern corresponds to ananhydrous form denoted as Form II, which is highly crystalline. Inaddition to Form II, Compound (I) can exist as another anhydrouspolymorph, denoted as Form I. The XRPD patterns of these phases areshown in FIG. 1B. A slurry experiment was performed at room temperatureby adding approximately equal proportions of the two anhydrous phases tomethyl-tert-butyl ether. The XRPD of the filtered solids from the slurryshowed phase conversion to Form II. XRPD analysis of solids recoveredfrom heating Form I to 115° C. showed phase conversion to Form II. Basedon these experiments, Form II is the thermodynamically stable formbetween room temperature and 121° C.

Example 3: Ultraviolet Absorbance Spectrum

The ultraviolet (UV) absorbance spectrum of crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) shown in FIG. 2 was obtained using a Cary 300 Bio UV-Visspectrophotometer and methanol as diluent. The spectrum is characterizedby maxima at 236±2 nm.

Example 4: Infrared Transmittance Spectrum

The infrared (IR) transmittance spectrum of crystalline Form II ofCompound (I), shown in FIG. 3, was obtained with the ATR accessory usinga Nicolet Nexus 670 FTIR spectrometer.

Example 5: Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum

The proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectrum of crystallineForm II of Compound (I), shown in FIG. 4, was obtained using a BrukerDRX-600 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer operating at afrequency of 600.13 MHz. The sample concentration was approximately 3.1%(w/v) in CD₃CN. The reference compound was CHD₂CN (1.94 ppm). Thespectrum was obtained at 0° C. to sharpen signals that were broad atambient temperature. Signal assignments following the numberedstructural formula of Compound (I) below are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 ¹H NMR Signal Assignments δ_(H) (ppm) Multiplicity*Assignment^(†,#, $) 8.24 d, J~4 C_(3′)H, C_(5′)H 7.24 o m C_(2″)H,C_(6″)H 7.17 o m C_(3″)H, C_(5″)H 6.54 t, J = 4.8 C_(4′)H 6.11 br t, J~6NH 5.03 o m C_(1a″)H 4.78 br d, J_(HF)-48.0 C₃H (rotamer) 4.73 br d,J_(HF)-47.9 C₃H (rotamer) 4.34 o m C₂H 4.15 o m C₆H 3.33 o m C_(4a)H₂2.99-2.73 o m C₂H, C₆H 2.31 s C_(4a″)H₃ 2.00 o m C₄H 1.54 o m C₅H 1.45 om C₅H *Multiplicity: s = singlet; d = doublet; br = broad; t = triplet;m = multiplet; o = overlapped; J = coupling constant in Hertz. ^(†)Insolution, L-001067743-005K exists as a 1:1 mixture of carbamaterotamers. Assignments are grouped except where noted by: (rotamer).^(#)The signal at 2.26 ppm is due to H₂O. ^($)A multiplet at 3.36 ppm isassigned to a low-level unknown.

Example 6: ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrum

The ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) spectrum of crystallineForm II of Compound (I) shown in FIG. 5 was obtained using a BrukerDRX-600 NMR spectrometer operating at a frequency of 150.90 MHz. Thesample concentration was approximately 3.1% (w/v) in CD₃CN. Thereference compound was CD₃CN (1.39 ppm for the CD₃ group; the —CN groupwas observed at 118.45 ppm). The spectrum was obtained at 0° C. tosharpen signals that were broad at ambient temperature. Signalassignments following the numbered structural formula of Compound (I)below are provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2 ¹³C NMR Signal Assignments δ_(C) (ppm) Assignment* 163.56 C_(1′)158.9 (broad) C_(3′), C_(5′) 156.29, 156.25 C_(1a) 138.75, 138.71 C_(4″)135.13 C_(1″) 129.96 C_(3″), C_(5″) 128.89, 128.78 C_(2″), C_(6″) 111.34C_(4′) 87.88, d, J_(CF) = 174.3 C₃ (rotamer) 87.69, d, J_(CF) = 174.1C₃(rotamer) 67.46, 67.36 C_(1a″) 48.40, d, J_(CF) = 20.7 C₂(rotamer)48.16, d, J_(CF) = 20.7 C₂(rotamer) 44.06, 43.90 C₆ 43.09, d, J_(CF) =2.7 C_(4a) 39.22, d, J_(CF) = 20.3 C₄ 24.58, 24.38 C₅  21.15 C_(4″)

Example 7: Thermogravimetric Analysis Curve

The thermogravimetric (TG) analysis curve for Form II of Compound (I)was obtained under nitrogen flow at a heating rate of 10° C. per minute.A weight loss of 0.04% was observed up to 150° C. (FIG. 6). Furtherweight loss above 150° C. was attributed to decomposition.

Example 8: Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve for Form II ofCompound (I) was obtained under nitrogen flow at a heating rate of 10°C. per minute in a crimped pan (FIG. 7). The DSC curve displayed amelting endotherm with extrapolated onset temperature of 121° C., a peaktemperature of 123° C., and a heat of fusion of 112.7 J/g.

Example 9: Particle Size Evaluation

Samples of micronized crystalline Form II of Compound (I) were evaluatedfor particle size and development of particle size analysis method.

Particle size information was obtained using a Sympatec HELOS/KFparticle size analyzer equipped with RODOS/M dispersion module, VIBRIvibratory feeder and an R2 lens (upper limit=87.5 microns). 100±10 mgsample of micronized Form II of Compound (I) was transferred to theVIBRI and spread evenly to sure a consistent feed rate. Analysis wasconducted using a feed rate of 25% and a feed pressure of 3.0 bar.Trigger conditions were as follows: timebase—100 ms; start—c.opt≥1.0%;valid—always; stop—5 s, c.opt≤1.0% or 10 s real time. The data wasanalyzed using Sympatec's WINDOX 5 software. The results are provided inTable 3.

TABLE 3 X10, X50 and X90 Particle Size of Micronized Form II Analysis 1Analysis 2 X10 X50 X10 Replicate (μm) (μm) X90 (μm) (μm) X50 (μm) X90(μm) 1 0.78 1.90 4.41 0.79 1.93 4.45 2 0.79 1.93 4.43 0.80 1.95 4.63 30.79 1.92 4.46 0.79 1.92 4.42 4 0.78 1.98 4.75 0.79 1.93 4.43 5 0.791.94 4.62 0.79 1.93 4.60 6 0.79 1.95 4.48 0.79 1.91 4.42 Average 0.791.94 4.53 0.79 1.93 4.49 Standard 0.01 0.03 0.13 0.00 0.01 0.10Deviation % Relative 1.27 1.55 2.87 0.00 0.52 2.23 Standard Deviation

Based on the development studies, the method parameters consideredsuitable for routine particle size analysis of micronized Compound (I)samples are set forth below:

Calculation Mode: HRLD Sample Mass: 100 ± 25 mg Feeder: VIBRI Dispenser:RODOS/M Feed Pressure: 3.0 bar Feed Rate: 25% Trigger Conditions:Timebase: 100 ms Start: c.opt ≥1.0% Valid: always Stop: 5 s, c.opt ≤1.0%or 10 s real time Lens: R2 (upper limit 87.5 microns)

Example 10: Effect of Particle Size on Drug Absorption

To test the particle size (PS) effect on absorption, monkey studies wereconducted at a 90-mg/kg dose to compare the unmilled and jet-milledCompound (I) as suspensions in 0.5% methocel. Male Rhesus monkeys wereadministered unmilled and jet-milled crystalline Form II of Compound (I)as suspensions in 0.5% methocel at a dose of 90 mg/kg. The monkeys werefed approximately one hour prior to dosing. As shown in Table 4, thejet-milled Form II with a mean PS of 4.5 μm increased drug exposure by1.43 fold vs. the unmilled Form II with a mean PS of 14 μm.

TABLE 4 Particle Size Effect in Fed Male Rhesus Monkeys* ParticleSurface Mean size** area AUC_(0~24) parameters (μm) (m²/g) (μM * hr)Cmax (μM) Tmax (hr) Jet-milled 4.5 2.3 119.3 ± 20.9 9.70 ± 3.00 6.67 ±1.20 Form II Unmilled 14 1.5  83.7 ± 14.9 6.53 ± 2.76 3.33 ± 1.15 FormII *The monkeys were fed 10 biscuits approximately one hour prior todosing. **PS was measured using bulk drug powder.

Example 11: Affinity for NMDA-GluN2B Receptors

Radioligand binding assays were performed at room temperature (or 37°C.) in 96-well microtiter plates with a final assay volume of 1.0 mL in20 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.4) containing 150 mM NaCl. Crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) was prepared at 10 mM in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) andserially diluted with DMSO to yield 20 μL of each of 10 solutionsdiffering by 3-fold in concentration (Mosser et al., 2003). Nonspecificbinding was assessed using N-(3-chlorobenzyl)-4-iodobenzimidamide (finalconcentration, 10 μM), and total binding was measured by addition ofDMSO (final concentration, 2%). L(tk−) cell membranes expressing humanGluN1a/GluN2B receptors (final concentration, 40 pM) and[³H]-[(E)-N1-(2-methoxybenzyl)-cinnamamidine] (final concentration, 1nM) were added to all wells of the microtiter plate. After 3 h (24 h or48 h) of incubation at room temperature (or 37° C.), samples werefiltered through Packard GF/B filters (presoaked in 0.05%polyethylenimine [PEI; Sigma P-3143]) and washed 10 times with 1 mL ofcold 20 mM HEPES buffer per wash. After vacuum drying of the filterplates, 50 μL of Packard Microscint-20 was added and the boundradioactivity determined in a Packard TopCount.

Analogous binding experiments, to those described above for the clonedhuman receptor expressed in L(tk−) cells, were also performed usingwhole brain homogenate (rat), frontal cortex homogenate (dog and rhesusmonkey), and temporal cortex homogenate (human).

Form II potently inhibited radioligand ([³H]Compound-2) binding to humanNMDA-GluN1a/GluN2B receptors expressed in L(tk−) cells as well as braintissue homogenates from all tested species (rat, dog, rhesus monkey,human). The binding affinity of Form II determined using human temporalcortex homogenate yielded K_(i) values of 3.1 nM (0.0031 μM) and 8.1 nM(0.0081 μM) at room temperature and 37° C., respectively. Findings inother species were consistent with the human data (Table 5).

TABLE 5 Binding Affinities to Expressed Human GluN1a/GluN2B Receptors inL(tk-) Membranes and Brain Tissue Homogenates K_(i) (nM) K_(i) (nM)K_(i) (nM) Species 4° C. Room Temp. 37° C. Human GluN1a/GluN2B in L(tk-)1.8 4.9 31 Human Temporal Cortex — 3.1 8.1 Rhesus Frontal Cortex — 3.114 Dog Frontal Cortex — 3.2 13 Rat Brain Homogenate — 3.3 14Values are geometric means.

Example 12: Functional Activity and Selectivity for NMDA Receptors

The inhibition of calcium influx into L(tk−) cells expressing eitherGluN1a/GluN2B or GluN1a/GluN2A human receptors was measured to determinethe IC₅₀ of Compound (I) inhibition of NMDA receptor functions.

GluN1a/GluN2B (or GluN1a/GluN2A) receptor-transfected L(tk−) cells wereplated in 96-well format at 3×10⁴ cells per well and grown for 1 day innormal growth medium (Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium with Na pyruvate,4500 mg glucose, penicillin/streptomycin, glutamine, 10% fetal calfserum, and 0.5 mg/mL geneticin). GluN1a/GluN2B (GluN1a/GluN2A)expression in these cells was induced by the addition of 10 nMdexamethasone in the presence of 500 μM ketamine for 16-24 h.Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) was prepared in DMSO and seriallydiluted with DMSO to yield 10 solutions differing by 3-fold inconcentration. A 96-well drug plate was prepared by diluting the DMSOsolution 250-fold into assay buffer (Mg²⁺-free Hanks Balanced SaltSolution containing 20 mM HEPES, 2 mM CaCl₂, 0.1% bovine serum albumin,and 250 probenecid). After induction, the cells were washed twice(Labsystem cell washer; 3-fold dilutions leaving 100 μL) with assaybuffer and loaded with the calcium fluorescence indicator fluo-3 AM (4μM) in assay buffer containing Pluronic F-127 and 100 μM ketamine at 37°C. for 1 h. The cells were then washed 8 times with assay buffer leaving100 μL of buffer in each well. Fluorescence intensity was immediatelymeasured in a FLIPR (Fluorometric Imaging Plate Reader; MolecularDevices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) using an excitation of 488 nm and emissionat 530 nm. Five seconds after starting the recording of fluorescenceintensity, 50 μL of agonist solution (40 μM glutamate/glycine; finalconcentration, 10 μM) was added, and after 1 min, when the fluorescencesignal was stable, 50 μL of Form II and control solutions from the drugplate were added and the fluorescence intensity recorded for another 30min.

Form II inhibited calcium influx into agonist-stimulatedNMDA-GluN1a/GluN2B L(tk−) cells with an IC₅₀ of 3.6 nM (0.0036 μM) buthad no effect on calcium influx into agonist-stimulated NR1a/NR2A cellsat concentrations up to 30,000 nM (30 μM). The results demonstrate thatForm II is a potent, highly selective antagonist of NMDA receptorscontaining the GluN2B subunit.

Example 13: Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics in Rats and Monkeys (Oral andIV)

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N=8; N=4 oral and N=4 intravenous [IV])weighing approximately 250-280 g and male rhesus monkeys (N=4,crossover) weighing 6.0-8.8 kg were used for the PK studies. In rats,the IV dose of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) at 2 mg/kg (0.4mL/kg) was administered as a bolus and the oral dose was administered bygavage at 15 mg/kg (5 mL/kg). In monkeys, the IV dose of Form II at 2mg/kg (0.1 mL/kg) was administered as a slow bolus and the oral dose wasadministered via nasogastric tube at 15 mg/kg (5 mL/kg). Blood sampleswere serially collected pre-dose, and at 0.083 (IV only), 0.25, 0.50, 1,2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h post-dose. The concentrations ofForm II in rat and monkey plasma were determined by LC/MS/MS analysis inthe positive ion mode using a heated nebulizer interface. The lowerlimit of quantitation was 2.5 ng/mL (approximately 0.00697 μM).

PK parameters are summarized in Table 6. After oral administration toboth rats and monkeys, Form II was rapidly absorbed (Tmax<1 h for ratsand approximately 2 h for monkeys) and exhibited good bioavailability inboth species (60% in rats and 50% in monkeys). Volume of distribution(Vdss) was estimated after IV administration and exceeded total bodywater in rats (mean Vdss=3.1 L/kg) and was moderate in monkeys (meanVdss=2.9 L/kg). High total plasma clearance (CLp) was exhibited after IVadministration in both species (mean CLp=28.4 mL/min/kg in rats and 15.1mL/min/kg in monkeys). Half-life (t½), which was calculated after the IVdose, was longer in monkeys (mean t½=4.2 h) compared to rats (meant½=1.7 h).

TABLE 6 Pharmacokinetics in Rats and Monkeys during Oral (PO) andIntravenous (IV) Administration at Doses of 2 and 15 mg/kg Parameter^(a)Rat (N = 4) Monkey (N = 4) IV Dose (mg/kg)  2  2 AUC_((0-∞)) (μM · h)3.31 (0.41) 6.67 (2.12) CL_(p) (mL/min/kg) 28.4 (3.4)  15.1 (4.8) Vd_(ss) (L/kg) 3.1 (0.3) 2.9 (2.5) t_(1/2) (h) 1.7 (0.4) 4.2 (3.7) PODose (mg/kg) 15 15 AUC_((0-∞)) (μM · h) 14.9 (2.1)  25.1 (11.9) C_(max)(μM) 5.9 (1.1) 3.6 (1.3) T_(max) (h) 0.44 (0.1)  2.1 (1.4)Bioavailability (%)  60^(b)  50 (12)^(c) ^(a)Data are presented as mean(S.D.) ^(b)Based on AUC0-∞□(dose normalized) values after IV and POdosing (non-crossover study design). ^(c)Based on AUC0-∞□(dosenormalized) values after IV and PO dosing (crossover study design). AUC,area under the curve; CL_(p), total plasma clearance; C_(max), maximumplasma concentration of drug; T_(max), time to C_(max); t_(1/2),half-life; Vd_(ss), volume of distribution at steady state.

Example 14: Acute Depression Model—Forced Swim Test

Young, adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned across thetreatment groups and were administered vehicle (0.5% MC/0.02% SLS), thereference compound desipramine (20 mg/kg; a tricyclic antidepressant;Sigma, Lot #078K1326) dissolved in sterile water, or crystalline Form IIof Compound (I) (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) suspended in 0.5%MC/0.02% SLS, twice on Day 1 (after habituation; ˜24 h prior to test,and prior to dark cycle) and once on Day 2 (30 min pre-test fordesipramine and 45 min pre-test for Form II and vehicle).

Each Forced Swim chamber was constructed of clear acrylic (height, 40cm; diameter, 20.3 cm). Rats were subjected to a pre-dose swim test ofone 15-min session in cylinders containing water at 23° C.±1° C.,followed approximately 24 h later by the experimental 5-min session. Thewater level was 16 cm deep during habituation and 30 cm deep during thetest. Immobility, climbing, and swimming behaviors were recorded every 5s for a total of 60 counts per subject. When an animal was unable tomaintain a posture with its nose above water, it was immediately removedfrom the water and eliminated from the study. Blood was collected at thecompletion of swim test procedures and plasma was analyzed for Form IIconcentrations.

Form II (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) significantly decreased immobilityfrequency (P<0.001) and significantly increased swimming behavior(P<0.01 for 1, 3, and 30 mg/kg; P<0.05 for 10 mg/kg) compared to thevehicle control (FIG. 8), but did not affect climbing behavior except atthe dose of 3 mg/kg (P<0.05). Desipramine (20 mg/kg) significantlydecreased immobility (P<0.001) and significantly increased climbingbehavior (P<0.01) compared to the vehicle control, with no change inswimming behavior. Form II plasma levels were approximately 15, 120,390, 1420, 4700, and 14110 nM at the time of sampling, corresponding toapproximately 5, 29, 56, 83, 94, and 98% RO, respectively, in rats. TheED₅₀ for increase in frequency of swimming and decrease in immobilitywere ˜0.3 and 0.7 mg/kg, respectively, corresponding to RO of ˜30% and50%.

Example 15: Acute Depression Model—Locomotor Assay

To confirm that the effect of Form II in the forced swim test was notdue to a general increase in activity levels, rats were subjected to alocomotor assay following oral Form II administration. Adult maleSprague-Dawley rats (N=42) were randomly assigned across the treatmentgroups (vehicle or Compound (I) at 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg;N=6/group). Locomotor activity was assessed during the light cycle inphotocell-monitored cages (Hamilton Kinder, San Diego, Calif.). Eachcage consisted of a standard plastic rat cage (24×45.5 cm) surrounded bya stainless steel frame. Infrared photocell beams were located acrossthe long axis of the frame to measure the ambulatory distance traveled.A second set of beams was placed above the floor and was used to measurerearing activity. Photocell beam interruptions were recorded by acomputer system. Filter tops were placed on top of the test enclosuresduring testing. Rats were administered either vehicle or test compoundvia oral gavage twice on Day 1 (approximately 24 h before the test andprior to dark cycle) and once on Day 2 (45 min prior to placing in thelocomotor cages for a 60-min test). Locomotor activity was captured in5-min bins.

Form II (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) significantly increased distancetraveled (P<0.01 for 1 and 3 mg/kg; P<0.001 for 10 and 30 mg/kg)compared to vehicle control during the first 5 min of testing (timingcorrelates with time of forced swim test). Form II (1, 3, 10, and 30mg/kg) significantly increased total distance traveled (P<0.01 for 1mg/kg; P<0.001 for 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) compared to vehicle controlsummed over the 60-min test. The ED₅₀ for increase in locomotor activitywas ˜2 mg/kg, translating to an RO of ˜75%, which is higher than theED₅₀ for increase in frequency of swimming and decrease in immobility.No locomotor effects were observed for the 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg dose groups(FIG. 8).

Example 16: Blood Pressure Profile in Chronically Instrumented Rats

Six (n=6) rats were used to study the effect of crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) on systemic blood pressure and heart rate. A single oralgavage dose was administered (volume: 5 mL/kg). Prior to dosing, a 24hours baseline was recorded. The effect of crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) was recorded for 24 hours. A Latin square was performed onusing 3 doses of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (0.3, 1, and 3mg/kg) and corresponding vehicle (n=6 per group). Following thecompletion of the Latin square, two additional dose concentrations wereevaluated (0.6 and 10 mg/kg, n=3 per group).

Three (3) rats were used to study the effect of MK-801 (dizocilpine). Onday 1, baseline readings were recorded for 24 hours prior to dosing. Onday 2, the rats were administered a single intravenous (tail vein) bolusof 0.9% saline (volume ˜0.2 mL) and monitored continuously (viatelemetry) for at least 24 hours. On day 3, the rats were administered asingle intravenous (tail vein) bolus of MK-801 (200 μg/kg; volume ˜0.2mL) and monitored continuously (via telemetry) for at least 24 hours.

In order to investigate a potential mechanism of crystalline Form II ofCompound (I), crystalline Form II of Compound (I) was administered incombination with different pharmacological inhibitors. Atenolol (β1blocker, 1 mg/kg, IV bolus) and prazosin (al adrenergic receptorantagonist, 200 μg/kg, IV bolus) were administered 30 minutes prior tocrystalline Form II of Compound (I) (1 mg/kg). All IV doses wereadministered in manually restrained rats via tail vena-puncture. Itshould be noted that vehicle controls were also administered.

One hour following a single oral gavage dose, crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) elicited a dose-dependent increase in mean arterialpressure (MAP) (4.2±0.9, 6.8±1.2, 15.7±3.2, 17.1±2.3, and 19.1±2.4 mmHgfor 0.3, 0.6, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg respectively). Heart rate (HR) alsoincreased over the dose ranges, however, the dose-dependency of theseeffects was not evident, as markedly larger but similar effects werenoted at 3 and 10 mg/kg (i.e., 15±10 and 10±15, and 34±13 bpm at 0.3,0.6, and 1 mg/kg vs. 66±9, and 71±25 bpm at 3 and 10 mg/kg) (FIG. 9).Thus, crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (when given orally as asingle-dose) elicited hemodynamic responses consistent (albeit markedlyto a lower extent) with those seen for MK-801, a well-established NMDAantagonist. The latter finding was unexpected for crystalline Form II ofCompound (I).

Rat activity (recorded via telemetry) followed a similar trend as theheart rate response. That is, the 3 and 10 mg/kg doses had much largereffects than the lower doses (0.012±0.025, 0.003±0.033, and 0.049±0.037at 0.3, 0.6, and 1 mg/kg versus 0.174±0.048 and 0.232±0.057 at 3 and 10mg/kg). Interestingly, the hemodynamic changes during the first 3.5hours post administration were linearly correlated with the level ofactivity (as estimated from telemetry recordings); in particular,activity was an excellent predictor of HR (R²=0.67), and therefore, theexcitatory effects of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) may explainthe observed increases in HR (particularly at the higher dose-levels) inrats.

To investigate a potential mechanism of the crystalline Form II ofCompound (I)-medicated hemodynamic changes, crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) was administered in combination with either atenolol (β1 ARblocker, 1 mg/kg) or prazosin (α1 AR antagonist, 200 μg/kg). Asanticipated, atenolol minimally affected MAP (−3.3±3.1 mmHg) butmarkedly reduced HR (−87±11 bpm), while prasozin reduced MAP (18±2 mmHg)but minimally reduced HR (−9±24 bpm). In these settings (i.e., (β1 AR orα1 AR blockade), crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (at 1 mg/kg PO) wasadministered and the hemodynamic responses were studied 1 hour postdosing. In β1 AR blocked animals, crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (1mg/kg) had negligible effects in MAP (5.8±4.8 mmHg) and HR (−7±17 bpm)when compared to pre-blockade values (i.e., baseline); however, HR didincrease 53±17 bpm post-dosing. Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (1mg/kg), in the setting of al AR blockade, increased HR (118±20 bpm) butlacked MAP changes (−3.8±2.0 bpm) when compared to pre-blockade values(i.e., baseline); however, MAP did increase (11.3±2.0 mmHg) with dosing.

TABLE 7 Peak systemic hemodynamics changes 1 hour post single oralgavage dose of Crystalline Form II of Compound (I); represented asvehicle subtracted change from time-controlled baseline Crystalline FormII of Compound (I) Parameters 0.3 mg/kg 0.6 mg/kg* 1.0 mg/kg 3.0 mg/kg10 mg/kg* SAP (mmHg) 4.3 ± 1.2 6.3 ± 1.6 16.8 ± 3.7  19.2 ± 2.4 20.7 ±2.4  DAP (mmHg) 4.1 ± 0.9 7.8 ± 1.1 15.2 ± 3.0  15.0 ± 2.0 17.3 ± 1.9 MAP (mmHg) 4.2 ± 0.9 6.8 ± 1.2 15.7 ± 3.2  17.1 ± 2.3 19.1 ± 2.4  PP(mmHg) 0.1 ± 1.0 −1.5 ± 1.4  1.4 ± 1.1  4.0 ± 0.9 3.1 ± 1.3 HR (bpm) 15± 10 10 ± 15 34 ± 13 66 ± 9 71 ± 25 Activity 0.012 ± 0.025 0.003 ± 0.0330.049 ± 0.037  0.174 ± 0.048 0.232 ± 0.057 (arbitrary unit) Values aremean ± standard error of the mean (n = 6), *n = 3.

Example 17: Human Pharmacokinetic Study

Twenty-four healthy, young male subjects were assigned to 1 of 3sequential treatment panels (A, B, and C). For each panel of 8 subjects,2 subjects received placebo and 6 subjects were administered singleascending oral doses of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) with aminimum 7-day washout between each dose: Panel A (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, and2 mg); Panel B (2, 4, 8, and 15 mg, and 4 mg with food); and Panel C (15and 20 mg). Blood samples were collected pre-dose and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3,4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 48, and 72 h post dose. Plasma samples wereanalyzed for Form II concentrations using reversed phase highperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometricdetection (Merck Research Laboratories). The analytical range was 0.5 to500 nM (0.180 to 180 ng/mL).

Form II was rapidly absorbed (FIG. 10A) with mean T_(max) within 1 hpost-dose across all fasted dose levels and terminal eliminationhalf-life ranging from approximately 12 to 17 h over the 4- to 20-mgdose range. C_(max) and AUC behaved in a dose-proportional manner overthe dose range studied. The 4-mg dose was administered in the fasted andfed states. Dosing in the fed state led to an approximate 1-h delay inT_(max) and an approximate 56% decrease in C_(max), but the overallextent of absorption (AUC) was not affected (FIG. 10B, Table 8).

TABLE 8 Plasma Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Healthy Male VolunteersParameter 2 mg 4 mg 4 mg (fed) 8 mg 15 mg 20 mg (unit) (N = 12) (N = 6)(N = 6) (N = 6) (N = 12) (N = 6) C_(max) 51.47 140.59 80.00 211.93385.21 590.22 (ng/mL) (16.96) (22.27) (18.46) (42.70) (99.15) (87.09)T_(max) 1.08 0.67 2.00 0.92 1.04 1.00 (h) (0.42) (0.26) (1.30) (0.20)(0.33) (0.32) AUC_(0-t) 397.64 1063.42 1080.32 2151.14 3521.08 5593.55(h * ng/mL) (83.40) (196.97) (252.37) (442.25) (702.88) (874.71)AUC_(0-∞) 493.25 1110.27 1137.98 2255.09 4396.45 5909.82 (h * ng/mL)(101.99) (200.68) (261.23) (473.43) (966.26) (1173.62) t_(1/2) 16.1416.92 17.31 16.96 16.79 15.90 (h) (3.12) (1.88) (2.20) (2.10) (4.67)(5.91) Data are presented as mean (S.D.) AUC, area under the curve;C_(max), maximum plasma concentration of drug; T_(max), time to C_(max);t_(1/2), half-life.

Example 18: Safety Pharmacology Studies

The potential effects of Form II of Compound (I) on the functions of thenervous system, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system wereevaluated in a battery of safety pharmacology studies that included anin vitro human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) assay and in vivostudies in rats, dogs, and monkeys. CNS effects were tested in rats atsingle doses at 15, 75, and 225 mg/kg.

Effects of Form II on the cardiovascular system were tested in severalstudies. Potential QTc effects were tested in vitro and in vivo. Form IIinhibited hERG current in vitro with an IC₅₀ of approximately 13 μM(4660 ng/mL). In anesthetized dogs dosed by continuous IV infusion for90 min at escalating rates, Form II did not affect heart rhythm or anyECG parameter, including QTc interval duration, even though the plasmaconcentration of Form II at the end of infusion was approximately 74 μM(25450 ng/mL). In conscious, chair-restrained monkeys given single oraldoses at 15, 75, and 150 mg/kg and monitored for 6 h post-dose, Form IIdid not affect heart rhythm or ECG parameters at any dose level, eventhough the peak plasma concentration was approximately 15 μM (5375ng/mL) at the highest dose level.

Hemodynamic effects were tested in dogs and monkeys. Form II did notaffect heart rate, arterial blood pressure, or femoral blood flow inanesthetized dogs dosed by continuous IV infusion for 90 min atescalating rates. However, Form II did produce dose-independentincreases in systolic (12-15 mm Hg), diastolic (7-10 mm Hg), and meanarterial pressures (9-12 mm Hg) in conscious, chair-restrained monkeysgiven single oral doses at 15, 75, or 150 mg/kg and monitored for 6 hpost-dose. At these dose levels, C_(max) was approximately 3, 9, and 15μM, (1075, 3225, and 5375 ng/mL), respectively.

Respiratory effects were investigated in rats and dogs. Single oraldoses of Form II at 15, 75, and 225 mg/kg produced respiratorystimulation in male rats, reflected in increased respiratory rate, tidalvolume, and minute ventilation, and decreased PenH (an index of airwayresistance). Respiratory function returned to baseline within 5 to 6 hat 15 mg/kg but remained altered at the end of the 6-h monitoring periodat ≥75 mg/kg. In anesthetized dogs dosed at 3 mg/kg by 5-min IV infusionand monitored at intervals for 60 min, Form II did not affectintrapulmonary pressure, peak expiratory flow, airway resistance, lungcompliance, tidal volume, respiration rate, or blood pH, pCO₂, or pO₂.Mean Form II plasma concentration was approximately 30 μM (10600 ng/mL)at the end of infusion and approximately 4 μM (1250 ng/mL) at 60 minpost-infusion.

Example 19: Neurotoxicity in Rats

Four groups of 24 Sprague-Dawley rats (12/sex) were given single dosesof vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose [MC] and 0.02% sodium lauryl sulfate[SLS] in deionized water) or crystalline Form II of Compound (I) at 10,30 or 100 mg/kg by oral gavage at a dose volume of 10 mL/kg. Anadditional group of 12 male rats was given single doses of(5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo-[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-iminemaleate; NBF, neutral buffered formalin (“MK-801”, a non-competitiveantagonist of the NMDA receptor; positive control) at 10 mg/kg bysubcutaneous injection at a dose volume of 2 mL/kg. Six rats per sex ineach group were terminated and necropsied at 4 to 6 h post-dose, and theremaining rats in each group were terminated and necropsied 3 dayspost-dose (on Day 4). In-life observations and measurements includedbody weight and clinical observations. At termination, rats wereanesthetized and perfusion fixed. At necropsy, the brain was collectedfor histopathological evaluation.

Animals in Form II and MK-801 assessment groups were terminated at thescheduled necropsy intervals (4-6 h post-dose or Day 4). All animalswere anesthetized with an isoflurane/oxygen mixture and perfused via theleft cardiac ventricle with heparinized 0.001% sodium nitrite in saline.The saline wash was followed by perfusion of 10% neutral bufferedformalin (NBF). Brains were harvested, weighed, and stored in 10% NBF.

The brains were sectioned into 2 mm coronal sections to produce multiplesections in 3 blocks for each animal. The following brain regions werestained: neocortex, paleocortex, basal nuclei, limbic system,thalamus/hypothalamus, midbrain regions, cerebellum, pons region, andmedulla oblongata. All brain sections from all animals sacrificed 4 to 6h after dosing and all animals sacrificed 3 days after dosing wereembedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, stained with hematoxylin andeosin and examined microscopically. For rats sacrificed on Day 4 (3 daysafter dosing), serial sections from Blocks 1 and 2 were stained withFluoro-Jade B (a stain increasing the sensitivity of evaluating thebrain for neuronal degeneration) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astain for astrocyte reactions) and examined microscopically. Threeadditional groups of rats (4 males and 3 females per group) were orallydosed in the same manner with Form II, and 24-h serial blood sampleswere obtained and analyzed for Compound (I) plasma concentrations andevaluated for systemic exposure.

There were no Form II-associated morphologic effects at any of the doselevels or time points. In rats, single doses of Form II (10, 30, and 100mg/kg) did not produce vacuolation or necrosis in all examined regionsof the brain. At these doses, mean C_(max) was approximately 4, 14, and26 μM (1433, 5018, and 9319 ng/mL), respectively. By contrast, all ofthe MK-801 (10 mg/kg)-dosed animals had vacuolation and necrosis incingulate gyms neurons, consistent with previous reports (Fix et al.,Brain Res, 696:194-204 (1995)). At the 4-6 h time point, the animalstreated with MK-801 (6 males; Group 5) all had numerous vacuolatedneurons in cortical layers 3 and 4 in the cingulate gyms region of thecerebral cortex. The appearance of the MK-801-treated males wascompletely consistent with previously published descriptions. Affectedneurons were characterized by numerous, tightly packed, somewhatdistinct, vacuoles filling the cytoplasm. At the 4-6 h time point, noneof the vehicle controls and none of the Form II-treated animals had anyevidence of cytoplasmic vacuoles in any of the neurons in the cingulategyms.

On Day 4, all the animals treated with MK-801 (6 males; Group 5) hadnecrotic neurons in cortical layers 3 and 4 in the cingulate gyms regionof the cerebral cortex. The appearance of the MK-801-treated males wascompletely consistent with previously published descriptions (Fix etal., 1996). Using the Fluoro-Jade B stain, necrotic neurons were easilyvisualized in all of the Day 4 MK-801-treated animals. In theMK-801-treated animals, sections stained (immunohistochemically) forglial fibrillary acidic protein showed a very slight increase ofstaining in the region of the cingulate gyms. On Day 4, none of thevehicle controls and none of the Form II-treated animals had anyevidence of necrotic neurons in the cingulate gyms.

Example 20: Pharmacodynamic Effects in Healthy Subjects

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-dose groupin-patient study is conducted to investigate the pharmacodynamic (PD)effects of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) in healthy subjects.

The study is designed as a three-part, sequential study. The sequentialnature of the study ensures that a range of doses are investigated firstin a young, healthy population (Part 1) before proceeding to higherdoses in the healthy population and the comparator populations(intermediate age and elderly) (Parts 2 and 3). For the purposes of thisstudy, “young” refers to a subject who is 18 to 45 years of age,“intermediate age” refers to a subject who is 46 to 64 years of age, and“elderly” refers to a subject who is 65 years of age or older.

Part 1:

After a screening period of up to 21 days (Days −23 to −3), 16 healthy,young male and female subjects are randomly assigned to a dose group asshown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Part 1 Parallel Dose Groups (Dosing Days 1-7) Age Group* StudyDrug Dosing Regimen Young 1 Crystalline Form II of Two 4-mg tablets + (N= 6) Compound (I) 8 mg one placebo tablet once-daily with food Young 2Crystalline Form II Three 4-mg tablets once-daily (N = 6) of Compound(I) with food 12 mg Young 3 Placebo Three placebo tablets once- (N = 4)daily with food *Randomization is stratified such that three malesubjects and three female subjects are randomized to each dose group.Note: On Day-1 (time-matched baseline day), all subjects receive placeboin the fed state.

Each parallel dose group is balanced for gender (approximately equalnumber of males and females). The randomized subjects are domiciled fromDay −1 through Day 8. On Day −1, the subjects receive placebo tablets inthe fed state and undergo ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)and safety assessments to establish time-matched baselines. On Days 1-7,the subjects receive the study drug in the fed state and undergo safety,pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) assessments. On Days8-11, follow-up PK and safety assessments are performed.

Safety assessments include Clinician-Administered Dissociative StatesScale (CADSS), Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS),concomitant medication, adverse event (AE) and vital sign assessments.In PK assessments, blood samples are taken and analyzed to determine PKparameters such as C_(max), T_(max), AUC₀₋₂₄, and t_(1/2). PDassessments include ABPM, plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) measurements, and Profile of Mood States (POMS) assessments.Since BDNF levels have been shown to correlate with the severity ofmajor depressive disorder (MDD) and change in response to antidepressanttreatment, BDNF levels are measured in this study as a biomarker of drugactivity.

Part 1 Safety Review:

After completion of Part 1, safety data from Day −1 to Day 8 isreviewed. A decision is made to conduct Part 2 or an alternative dosingregimen (e.g., by changing any combination of dose level, dosinginterval, and fed state).

Part 2:

After a screening period of up to 21 days (Days −23 to −3), 16 subjects(8 healthy, young male and female subjects, and 8 healthy, intermediateage male and female subjects) are randomly assigned to a dose group asshown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Part 2 Parallel Dose Groups (Dosing Days 1-7) Age Group* StudyDrug† Dosing Regimen** Young 4 Crystalline Form II of Four 4-mg tabletsonce- (N = 6) Compound (I) 16 mg daily with food Young 5 Placebo Fourplacebo tablets (N = 2) once-daily with food Intermediate 6 CrystallineForm II of Three 4-mg tablets once- (N = 6) Compound (I) 12 mg dailywith food Intermediate 7 Placebo Three placebo tablets (N = 2)once-daily with food *Randomization is stratified such that an equalnumber of males and females are randomized to each dose group. **Thedosing regimen may be changed based on the outcome of the Part 1 safetyreview. The regimen may be altered by any combination of changing thedose level, dosing interval, or fed state; or repeating a dose level.†The planned dose level may be changed based on the outcome of Part 1safety review. The maximum dose in young subjects is 16 mg and themaximum dose in intermediate age subjects is 12 mg. Note: On Day −1(time-matched baseline day), all subjects receive placebo in the fedstate.

As in Part 1, the randomized subjects undergo placebo administration inthe fed state and time-matched baseline ABPM and safety assessments onDay −1, followed by once-daily dosing of the study drug andpharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) assessments on Days 8-11,and follow-up PK and safety assessments on Days 8-11. Each parallel dosegroup is balanced for gender (approximately equal number of males andfemales).

Part 2 Safety Review:

After completion of Part 2, safety data from Day −1 to Day 8 isreviewed. A decision is made to conduct Part 3 or an alternative dosingregimen.

Part 3:

After a screening period of up to 21 days (Days −23 to −3), 16 subjects(8 healthy, young male and female subjects, and 8 healthy, elderly maleand female subjects) are randomly assigned to a dose group as shown inTable 11.

TABLE 11 Part 3 Parallel Dose Groups (Dosing Days 1-7) Age Group* StudyDrug† Dosing Regimen** Young 8 Crystalline Form II of Five 4-mg tabletsonce-daily (N = 6) Compound (I) 20 mg with food Young 9 Placebo Fiveplacebo tablets once- (N = 2) daily with food Elderly 10 CrystallineForm II of Three 4-mg tablets once-daily (N = 6) Compound (I) with food12 mg Elderly 11 Placebo Three placebo tablets once- (N = 2) daily withfood *Randomization is stratified such that an equal number of males andfemales are randomized to each dose group. **The dosing regimen may bechanged based on the outcome of the Part 2 safety review. The regimenmay be altered by any combination of changing the dose level, dosinginterval, or fed state; or repeating a dose level. †The planned doselevel may be changed based on the outcome of Part 2 safety review. Themaximum dose in young subjects is 20 mg and the maximum dose in elderlysubjects is 16 mg. Note: On Day −1 (time-matched baseline day), allsubjects receive placebo in the fed state. As in Parts 1 and 2, therandomized subjects undergo placebo administration in the fed state andtime-matched baseline ABPM and safety assessments on Day −1, followed byonce-daily dosing of the study drug and pharmacokinetic (PK) andpharmacodynamics (PD) assessments on Days 8-11, and follow-up PK andsafety assessments on Days 8-11. Each parallel dose group is balancedfor gender (approximately equal number of males and females).

After completion of Part 3, safety data from Day −1 to Day 8 isreviewed. A decision is made as to whether or not to add additionaldosing cohorts to investigate alternate dosing regimens or to repeat aregimen.

All data is subsequently analyzed for PD effects, PK profiles, safetyand tolerability, as well as age and gender effects on PK, bloodpressure and other safety parameters such as AE.

Following repeated daily doses of Crystalline Form II of Compound (I),steady-state predose plasma Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)concentrations were achieved by study day 5. Crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) was orally bioavailable with median Tmax values ranged from2.00 to 3.00 hours on Day 1 and from 1.50 to 3.00 hours on Day 7 ofdosing. On Days 1 and 7, Cmax and AUC values increased in anapproximately dose-proportional manner over the dose range studied ofCrystalline Form II of Compound (I) 8 to 20 mg. Mean plasma CrystallineForm II of Compound (I) concentrations on Day 7 were approximately 20%to 40% higher from 2 to 24 hours postdose in the intermediate age andelderly subgroups, respectively, compared to the young age subgroup, andwere approximately 20% higher from 2 to 24 hours postdose in femalesubjects compared to male subjects.

On Day 7, average t½ ranged from approximately 17 to 25 hours, averageapparent oral clearance values ranged from approximately 3 to 4 L/h, andaverage apparent volume of distribution ranged from approximately 83 to116 L. Modest accumulation was observed with seven days of dailyCrystalline Form II of Compound (I) dosing as the observed accumulationindex was approximately 1.6 to 1.9, on average, and steady-stateaccumulation index was 1.1, on average. Average Day 7 to Day 1 Cmaxratios were 1.3 to 1.4.

Clinically modest differences in PK parameters were observed inintermediate age and elderly subjects compared to young subjects, and infemale subjects compared to male subjects. On Day 7, average Cmax valueswere approximately 30% higher in the intermediate age and elderlysubgroups compared to the young age group. On Day 1, average AUC valueswere approximately 25% to 37% higher in the intermediate age groupcompared to the young age group and average AUC values wereapproximately 6% to 29% higher in female subjects compared to malesubjects. On Day 7, average AUC values were approximately 48% to 74%higher in the elderly age group compared to the young age group andaverage AUC values were approximately 19% to 38% higher in femalesubjects compared to male subjects. On Day 7, apparent oral clearancevalues were approximately 18% and 30%, on average, lower in theintermediate age and elderly groups, respectively, compared to the youngage group and apparent oral clearance values were approximately 15%, onaverage, lower in female subjects compared to male subjects. On Day 7,average t½ ranged from approximately 20 to 28 hours, and wasapproximately 27% and 38% higher in the intermediate age and elderly agegroups, respectively, compared to the young age group. On Day 7, averaget½ ranged from approximately 21 to 24 hours, and was approximately 16%higher in female subjects compared to male subjects.

TABLE 12 Summary of Plasma for Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)Pharmacokinetic Parameters by Dose and Day for Young SubjectsCRYSTALLINE FORM II OF COMPOUND (I) PK Parameter Study Dose - YoungSubjects By Dose Statistic Day 8 mg 12 mg 16 mg 20 mg C_(max) (ng/mL)Day 1 N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 179.33 (18.18)  239.00 (33.36)  305.83(31.59)  383.50 (57.48)  Min, Max 164, 214 209, 294 264, 346 314, 476 CV% 10.14 13.96 10.33 14.99 C_(max) (ng/mL) Day 7 N 4 6 6 6 Mean (SD)224.00 (30.01)  273.50 (44.00)  412.75 (65.06)  534.33 (97.69)  Min, Max191, 260 219, 325 331, 483 365, 628 CV % 13.40 16.09 15.76 18.28 t_(max)(h) Day 1 N 6 6 6 6 Median 2.00 1.50 3.00 2.25 Min, Max 2.00, 3.03 1.00,3.00 1.50, 3.00 1.00, 3.00 Mean (SD) 2.17 (0.42) 1.77 (0.70) 2.58 (0.66)2.17 (0.93) CV % 19.42 39.52 25.73 42.97 t_(max) (h) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6Median 3.00 2.50 1.75 1.50 Min, Max 2.00, 3.00 1.50, 3.00 1.50, 2.001.50, 2.00 Mean (SD) 2.75 (0.50) 2.42 (0.66) 1.75 (0.29) 1.67 (0.26) CV% 18.18 27.50 16.50 15.49 AUC₀₋₂₄ (h * ng/mL) Day 1 N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD)1503.0 (134.7)  1857.8 (51.9)  2663.3 (393.9)  3521.5 (706.6)  Min, Max1322.6, 1713.8 1777.4, 1906.3 2197.0, 3133.1 2507.4, 4265.5 CV % 8.962.80 14.79 20.07 AUC₀₋₂₄ (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 2397.7(262.1)  3062.5 (512.2)  4301.2 (1411.2) 6039.3 (1530.7) Min, Max2107.3, 2688.1 2614.4, 3972.0 2894.4, 6260.5 4087.2, 7880.0 CV % 10.9316.72 32.81 25.35 AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) Day 1 N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD)1488.7 (134.3)  1835.9 (51.68)  2631.8 (392.1)  3476.8 (692.5)  Min, Max1308.2, 1699.7 1751.6, 1880.6 2171.1, 3101.1 2481.9, 4206.0 CV % 9.022.82 14.90 19.92 AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 3770.6(1355.2) 5606.7 (1836.0) 7450.6 (4389.7) 10132 (3267.1) Min, Max 2534.3,5650.9 3680.6, 8885.6  3657.8, 13614.4  6494.6, 14653.4 CV % 35.94 32.7558.92 32.25 AUC_(inf) (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 4109.8(1398.1) 5933.1 (2133.5) 8023.5 (4985.1)  10468 (3506.7) Min, Max3187.2, 6145.9 3824.4, 9805.7  3692.1, 14922.9  6630.9, 15396.7 CV %34.02 35.96 62.13 33.50 AUC_(%extrap) (%) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 8.61(8.27) 4.77 (2.72) 5.38 (5.13) 2.88 (1.30) Min, Max  2.84, 20.48 1.38,9.38  0.93, 10.77 1.62, 4.83 CV % 96.11 57.15 95.36 45.18 CL/F (L/h) Day1 N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 5.36 (0.48) 6.46 (0.18) 6.12 (0.90) 5.90 (1.31)Min, Max 4.67, 6.05 6.29, 6.75 5.11, 7.28 4.69, 7.98 CV % 8.91 2.8414.67 22.17 CL/F (L/h) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 3.37 (0.37) 4.00 (0.60)4.01 (1.21) 3.51 (0.97) Min, Max 2.98, 3.80 3.02, 4.59 2.56, 5.53 2.54,4.89 CV % 10.99 14.98 30.30 27.69 V_(z)/F (L) Day 1 N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD)101.03 (43.82)  196.87 (93.73)  175.02 (104.02) 147.76 (56.52)  Min, Max 60.75, 172.75 112.49, 376.03  64.13, 288.86  94.54, 256.58 CV % 43.3747.61 59.43 38.25 V_(ss)/F (L) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 82.60 (25.30)115.44 (14.55)  108.19 (51.29)  93.18 (19.02) Min, Max  49.78, 108.30 99.20, 133.36  64.42, 182.39  76.51, 123.31 CV % 30.62 12.60 47.4120.41 t_(1/2) (h) Day 7 N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 17.22 (6.20)  20.49 (4.55) 20.00 (10.22) 18.75 (2.22)  Min, Max 10.93, 25.23 15.18, 27.02 11.35,31.46 16.31, 21.56 CV % 35.98 22.23 51.10 11.84 Dose-Normalized Day 1C_(max) (ng/mL/mg) N 6 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 22.42 (2.27)  19.92 (2.78)  19.11(1.97)  19.18 (2.87)  Min, Max 20.50, 26.75 17.42, 24.50 16.50, 21.6315.70, 23.80 CV % 10.14 13.96 10.33 14.99 Dose-Normalized Day 7 C_(max)(ng/mL/mg) N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 28.00 (3.75)  22.79 (3.67)  25.80 (4.07) 26.72 (4.88)  Min, Max 23.88, 32.50 18.25, 27.08 20.69, 30.19 18.25,31.40 CV % 13.40 16.09 15.76 18.28 Dose-Normalized Day 7 AUC_(inf) (h *ng/mL/mg) N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 513.73 (174.76) 494.43 (177.79) 501.47(311.57) 523.40 (175.33) Min, Max 398.40, 768.23 318.70, 817.14 230.76,932.68 331.55, 769.83 CV % 34.02 35.96 62.13 33.50 Observed AccumulationIndex N 4 6 4 6 Mean (SD) 1.58 (0.19) 1.65 (0.31) 1.70 (0.54) 1.71(0.22) Min, Max 1.36, 1.77 1.42, 2.23 1.26, 2.41 1.41, 2.00 CV % 12.1518.56 31.83 12.77

TABLE 13 Summary of Plasma for Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)Pharmacokinetic Parameters by Dose and Day for Young, Intermediate Ageand Elderly Subjects at 12 mg Dose CRYSTALLINE FORM II OF COMPOUND (I)Dose PK Parameter Study Young Intermediate Age Elderly Statistic Day 12mg 12 mg 12 mg C_(max) (ng/mL) Day 1 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 239.00 (33.36) 257.00 (50.66)  228.83 (30.73)  Min, Max 209, 294 190, 345 174, 260 CV %13.96 19.71 13.43 C_(max) (ng/mL) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 273.50(44.00)  360.33 (64.86)  349.33 (47.56)  Min, Max 219, 325 247, 432 279,401 CV % 16.09 18.00 13.61 t_(max) (h) Day 1 N 6 6 6 Median 1.50 2.501.75 Min, Max 1.00, 3.00 1.00, 4.00 1.50, 3.00 Mean (SD) 1.77 (0.70)2.50 (1.05) 1.93 (0.59) CV % 39.52 41.95 30.46 t_(max) (h) Day 7 N 6 6 6Median 2.50 1.50 2.00 Min, Max 1.50, 3.00 1.00, 3.00 1.50, 3.03 Mean(SD) 2.42 (0.66) 1.83 (0.98) 2.26 (0.62) CV % 27.50 53.63 27.52 AUC₀₋₂₄(h * ng/mL) Day 1 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 1857.8 (51.9)  2001.2 (400.0) 2127.2 (438.9)  Min, Max 1777.4, 1906.3 1412.4, 2523.8 1503.8, 2612.2 CV% 2.80 19.99 20.63 AUC₀₋₂₄ (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 3062.5(512.2)  3841.1 (827.6)  4516.9 (1022.1) Min, Max 2614.4, 3972.0 2570.6,4903.3 2934.5, 5958.0 CV % 16.72 21.55 22.63 AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) Day1 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 1835.9 (51.68)  1975.8 (395.6)  2099.4 (431.6)  Min,Max 1751.6, 1880.6 1392.7, 2490.7 1488.2, 2580.7 CV % 2.82 20.02 20.56AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 5606.7 (1836.0) 7466.8(1967.8) 9143.7 (2972.6) Min, Max 3680.6, 8885.6  4807.4, 10204.7 5123.6, 13850.9 CV % 32.75 26.35 32.51 AUC_(inf) (h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 66 6 Mean (SD) 5933.1 (2133.5) 8104.1 (2270.0) 10304.0 (3904.9)  Min, Max3824.4, 9805.7  5116.2, 11320.1  5412.3, 16659.1 CV % 35.96 28.01 37.90AUC_(%extrap) (%) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 4.77 (2.72) 7.51 (1.85) 9.70(5.93) Min, Max 1.38, 9.38 5.08, 9.85  2.92, 16.86 CV % 57.15 24.6161.20 CL/F (L/h) Day 1 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 6.46 (0.18) 6.22 (1.34) 5.87(1.32) Min, Max 6.29, 6.75 4.75, 8.50 4.59, 7.98 CV % 2.84 21.62 22.51CL/F (L/h) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 4.00 (0.60) 3.27 (0.80) 2.79 (0.72)Min, Max 3.02, 4.59 2.45, 4.67 2.01, 4.09 CV % 14.98 24.62 25.75 V_(z)/F(L) Day 1 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 196.87 (93.73)  201.33 (70.22)  164.01(47.57)  Min, Max 112.49, 376.03 147.36, 341.22 114.66, 244.64 CV %47.61 34.88 29.00 V_(ss)/F (L) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 115.44 (14.55) 121.40 (23.97)  110.72 (31.49)  Min, Max  99.20, 133.36  96.43, 159.29 77.31, 160.37 CV % 12.60 19.74 28.45 t_(1/2) (h) Day 7 N 6 6 6 Mean(SD) 20.49 (4.55)  26.09 (2.78)  28.28 (8.11)  Min, Max 15.18, 27.0222.18, 29.85 18.93, 37.88 CV % 22.23 10.67 28.66 Dose-Normalized Day 1C_(max) (ng/mL/mg) N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 19.92 (2.78)  21.42 (4.22)  29.11(3.96)  Min, Max 17.42, 24.50 15.83, 28.75 23.25, 33.42 CV % 13.96 19.7113.61 Dose-Normalized Day 7 C_(max) (ng/mL/mg) N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 22.79(3.67)  30.03 (5.40)  29.11 (3.96)  Min, Max 18.25, 27.08 20.58, 36.0023.25, 33.42 CV % 16.09 18.00 13.61 Dose-Normalized Day 7 AUC_(inf) (h *ng/mL/mg) N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 494.43 (177.79) 675.34 (189.17) 858.67(325.40) Min, Max 318.70, 817.14 426.35, 943.34 451.02, 1388.25 CV %35.96 28.01 37.90 Observed Accumulation Index N 6 6 6 Mean (SD) 1.65(0.31) 1.92 (0.25) 2.12 (0.22) Min, Max 1.42, 2.23 1.73, 2.41 1.85, 2.34CV % 18.56 12.91 10.34 Steady State Accumulation Index N 6 6 6 Mean (SD)1.01 (0.08) 1.13 (0.16) 1.30 (0.11) Min, Max 0.92, 1.14 0.93, 1.41 1.13,1.46 CV % 7.51 14.05 8.74 Day 7/Day 1 6 6 6 C_(max) Ratio 1.15 (0.18)1.41 (0.17) 1.53 (0.13) N 0.95, 1.42 1.25, 1.68 1.34, 1.71 Mean (SD)15.95 11.74 8.26 Min, Max CV %

TABLE 14 Summary of Plasma for Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)Pharmacokinetic Parameters by Gender and Day for All Crystalline Form IIOf Compound (I) Doses Pooled PK Parameter Study Gender Statistic DayMales Females C_(max) (ng/mL) Day 1 N 18 18 Mean (SD) 261.56 (84.47) 269.61 (66.40)  Min, Max 168, 476 164, 375 CV % 32.30 24.63 C_(max)(ng/mL) Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 355.31 (126.67) 372.94 (107.85) Min, Max210, 628 191, 586 CV % 35.65 28.92 t_(max) (h) Day 1 N 18 18 Median 2.002.00 Min, Max 1.00, 3.03 1.00, 4.00 Mean (SD) 2.12 (0.72) 2.26 (0.81) CV% 34.06 35.78 t_(max) (h) Day 7 N 16 16 Median 1.75 2.00 Min, Max 1.00,3.00 1.00, 3.03 Mean (SD) 1.88 (0.65) 2.31 (0.68) CV % 34.43 29.48AUC₀₋₂₄ (h * ng/mL) Day 1 N 18 18 Mean (SD) 2214.7 (788.1)  2343.3(761.6)  Min, Max 1412.4, 4265.5 1322.6, 4099.3 CV % 35.58 32.50 AUC₀₋₂₄(h * ng/mL) Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 3749.3 (1388.3) 4472.9 (1570.0) Min,Max 2543.3, 7364.8 2107.3, 7880.0 CV % 37.03 35.10 AUC_(last) (h *ng/mL) Day 1 N 18 18 Mean (SD) 2190.3 (778.5)  2312.5 (749.4)  Min, Max1392.7, 4206.0 1308.2, 4054.0 CV % 35.54 32.41 AUC_(last) (h * ng/mL)Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 6353.6 (2692.0) 8582.7 (3497.9) Min, Max 2534.3, 12849.0  3103.4, 14653.4 CV % 42.37 40.76 AUC_(inf) (h * ng/mL)Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 6767.1 (2890.3) 9319.7 (4031.5) Min, Max 3187.2, 13362.2  3201.4, 16659.1 CV % 42.71 43.26 AUC_(%extrap) (%) Day7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 6.06 (5.38) 6.76 (4.26) Min, Max  0.93, 20.48  1.38,16.86 CV % 88.81 62.97 CL/F (L/h) Day 1 N 18 18 Mean (SD) 6.19 (1.15)5.79 (0.84) Min, Max 4.67, 8.50 4.59, 7.28 CV % 18.58 14.53 CL/F (L/h)Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 3.74 (0.83) 3.19 (0.84) Min, Max 2.72, 5.532.01, 4.89 CV % 22.09 26.17 V_(z)/F (L) Day 1 18 18 N 147.17 (70.09) 181.51 (79.11)  Mean (SD)  60.75, 341.22  83.53, 376.03 Min, Max 47.6243.59 CV % V_(ss)/F (L) Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 107.79 (32.05)  105.19(26.24)  Min, Max  49.78, 160.37  76.51, 182.39 CV % 29.73 24.95 t_(1/2)(h) Day 7 N 16 16 Mean (SD) 20.57 (6.87)  23.84 (6.58)  Min, Max 10.93,37.88 14.12, 37.50 CV % 33.42 27.61 Dose-Normalized Day 1 C_(max)(ng/mL/mg) N 18 18 Mean (SD) 19.78 (3.09)  20.59 (2.86)  Min, Max 14.50,26.75 16.50, 28.75 CV % 15.62 13.89 Dose-Normalized Day 7 C_(max)(ng/mL/mg) N 16 16 Mean (SD) 26.21 (3.94)  27.98 (5.43)  Min, Max 19.67,32.50 18.25, 36.00 CV % 15.04 19.42 Dose-Normalized Day 7 AUC_(inf) (h *ng/mL/mg) N 16 16 Mean (SD) 512.15 (188.98) 698.59 (282.19) Min, Max230.76, 937.07  331.55, 1388.25 CV % 36.90 40.39 Observed AccumulationIndex N 16 16 Mean (SD) 1.72 (0.28) 1.88 (0.37) Min, Max 1.26, 2.341.36, 2.41 CV % 16.08 19.60 Steady State Accumulation Index N 16 16 Mean(SD) 1.15 (0.16) 1.10 (0.15) Min, Max 0.93, 1.46 0.80, 1.41 CV % 13.9113.88 Day 7/Day 1 C_(max) Ratio N 16 16 Mean (SD) 1.36 (0.22) 1.38(0.27) Min, Max 1.06, 2.00 0.95, 1.83 CV % 16.44 19.28

Effects of Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) on arterial bloodpressure are as follows. Briefly, the average 24 hour and daytimesystolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)increased with all Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) doses compared toplacebo, with the maximal increases in BP being observed by Day 4,except for the Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) 20 mg dose whichincreased further from Day 4 to Day 7. The effects of Crystalline FormII of Compound (I) on average nighttime SBP and DBP were smaller andless consistently observed. The effects of Crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) on blood pressure appeared similar regardless of agesubgroup. The effect of Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) 20 mg on SBPappeared slightly more pronounced in females compared to males on Day 7,however, overall, the BP effects of Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)appeared similar in males and females.

There was a high degree of variability in the plasma BDNF measurementsin this study. However, there appeared to be a trend for an increase onaverage 7-day BDNF values compared to placebo at the higher two doses of16 and 20 mg.

Example 21: Antidepressant Effect in Subjects with MDD and SuicidalIdeation

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential parallelstudy is conducted to evaluate the antidepressant effect of crystallineForm II of Compound (I) after 7 days of treatment.

Following a screening period of up to 14 days, approximately 135subjects (male and female, 18 to 70 years of age with MDD andexperiencing a severe depressive episode with recent active suicidalideation despite current, stable treatment with an SSRI or SNRI) arerandomly assigned to one of three treatment sequences with unequaldistribution as shown in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Treatment Sequences Treatment Period 1 Period 2 Sequence (7days) (28 days) 1 (N = 27) Crystalline Form II Crystalline Form II ofCompound (I) of Compound (I) 8 mg on Days 7-27 followed by placebo 12 mgon Day 0 on Days 28-34 followed by 8 mg on Days 1-6 2 (N = 54) Placeboon Days 0-6 Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (8 mg) on Days 7-34 3 (N= 54) Placebo on Days 0-6 Placebo on Days 7-34

The randomized subjects participate in two treatment periods (Period 1and Period 2) and a follow-up safety assessment. In Period 1, thesubjects receive their first dose of study drug and undergo safety, PKand efficacy assessments on Day 0. On Day 4 (±1 day), the subjectsundergo pre-dose safety, PK and efficacy assessments, followed by dosingprocedures and post-dose safety and efficacy assessments. On Day 7 (±1day), the subjects undergo safety, PK and efficacy assessments, therebycompleting Period 1. Upon completion of Period 1 study assessments, thesubjects receive their first dose of Period 2 study drug on that sameday (Day 7±1 day) and undergo post-dose safety and efficacy assessments.On Days 11, 14, 21 and 28 (±1 day), the subjects undergo pre-dosesafety, PK and efficacy assessments, followed by dosing procedures andpost-dose safety and efficacy assessments. On Day 35 (±1 day), thesubjects undergo safety, PK and efficacy assessments, thereby concludingPeriod 2. On Day 49 (±2 days), the subjects undergo follow-up safetyassessments.

Efficacy is assessed based on the following:

-   -   MDD: HAM-D17, Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S), and        Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I);    -   suicidality: Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSSI);    -   biomarker: plasma BDNF; and    -   genotype: BDNF polymorphism.

Safety is assessed based on the following:

-   -   vital signs (semi-recumbent blood pressure, heart rate and oral        body temperature);    -   blood pressure measurements performed in triplicate (within 5        minutes) at each time point and the average determined;    -   12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG);    -   clinical laboratory testing (hematology, clinical chemistry and        urinalysis)    -   physical examinations    -   adverse event (AE) assessments    -   Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS,        “Baseline/Screening” version and “Since Last Visit” version)    -   Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)    -   concomitant medication assessments

Safety, PK and efficacy data (e.g., changes from baseline in HAM-D17,duration of HAM-D17 response, time to meet HAM-D17 responder criterion(≥50% decrease from baseline), BSSI scores and changes from baseline,BDNF levels and changes from baseline, CGI-S and CGI-I scores, bloodpressure and changes from baseline, and trough concentrations ofcrystalline Form II of Compound (I)) are assessed to evaluate theantidepressant effect of crystalline Form II of Compound (I), as well asits safety and tolerability as an adjunctive treatment in subjects withMDD, its effect as adjunctive therapy on suicidal ideation, its effectson specific depressive symptoms, its effects on plasma BDNF, the needfor a loading dose, the relationship between onset of antidepressanteffect and plasma BDNF in subjects with MDD, the relationship betweenbaseline symptoms and rate and magnitude of response in subjects withMDD, and differences of antidepressant effect in subjects with BDNFVal66Val vs. Val66Met polymorphism.

Example 22: Antidepressant Effect in Subjects with MDD

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, sequential parallelstudy is conducted to evaluate the antidepressant effect of a singledose of crystalline Form II of Compound (I) after a single dose oftreatment.

Following a screening period of up to 14 days, approximately 60 subjects(male and female, 18 to 65 years of age, diagnosed with MDD withoutpsychotic features, and undergoing stable treatment with an SSRI orSNRI) are randomly assigned to one of three treatment sequences withunequal distribution as shown in Table 16.

TABLE 16 Treatment Sequences Treatment Sequence Period 1 Study DrugPeriod 2 Study Drug 1 (N = 10) Crystalline Form II Crystalline Form IIof Compound of Compound (I) (20 mg) (I) (20 mg) on Day 3 on Day 0 2 (N =25) Placebo on Day 0 Crystalline Form II of Compound (I) (20 mg) on Day3 3 (N = 25) Placebo on Day 0 Placebo on Day 3

The randomized subjects participate in two treatment periods (Period 1and Period 2) and follow-up safety and efficacy assessments. On Day 0 ofPeriod 1, the subjects undergo baseline assessments, receive theirPeriod 1 study drug, and undergo post-dose safety, PK and efficacyassessments. On Day 1 of Period 1, the subjects undergo additionalsafety, PK and efficacy assessments, after which the subjects arere-randomized into Period 2 treatment sequences. On Day 3 of Period 2,the subjects undergo baseline assessments, receive their Period 2 studydrug, and undergo post-dose safety, PK and efficacy assessments. On Day4 of Period 2, the subjects undergo additional safety, PK and efficacyassessments. Following Period 2, the subjects undergo follow-up safetyand efficacy assessments on Day 6, Day 10 (±1 day), and Day 17 (±1 day).

Safety, PK and efficacy data are assessed to evaluate the antidepressanteffect of a single dose of crystalline Form II of Compound (I), as wellas its safety and tolerability as an adjunctive treatment in subjectswith MDD, its effects on specific depressive symptoms, the relationshipbetween antidepressant effect and plasma BDNF in subjects with MDD, therelationship between baseline symptoms and rate and magnitude ofresponse in subjects with MDD, and differences of antidepressant effectin subjects with BDNF Val66Val vs. Val66Met polymorphism.

Example 23: Study of the Hemodynamic Effects of Compound (I)

To determine its systemic hemodynamic effects, Compound (I) wasadministered as a single oral gavage dose to six (n=6) chronicallytelemetered rats (implantation at least 7 days prior to the dosing day)at doses of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg and systemic blood pressure andheart rate values were recorded (FIG. 11). The hemodynamic effects werecompared to Dizocilpine (MK-801) at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg givenintravenously (in 0.9% saline). In each animal, a single oral gavagedose of Compound (I) or vehicle (0.5% MC/0.02% SLS) was administered(volume: 5 mL/kg). A 24-hour recording was performed prior to dosing(vehicle alone) and after each oral dose. In another set of studies,Compound (I) (1 mg/kg) was administered in combination with theα1-adrenergic receptor antagonist prazosin (al-adrenergic receptorantagonist, 200 μg/kg, IV bolus) to elucidate the underlying mechanismof hypertension. Data were analyzed and compared to baseline, withcorrection for 24-h predose vehicle control.

The studies in conscious telemetered rats demonstrate that Compound (I),when given orally, increased arterial blood pressure transiently, and ina dose-dependent manner between 0.3-1 mg/kg, and this effect plateauedat 1-10 mg/kg. Interestingly, the ED50 for blood pressure effects wassimilar to ED50 for the forced swim test. The magnitude of change inhemodynamics with Compound (I) was significantly less than that ofMK-801, a broad NMDA receptor antagonist. In addition, Compound (I)modestly increased heart rate at 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg doses, and increasedHR dose proportionally between 1 and 10 mg/kg. Further, a strongcorrelation between locomotor activity level and change in heart ratewas observed (R²=0.67). The changes in heart rate may be partiallyexplained by the central nervous system excitatory effects of Compound(I). Similar dose-dependent movement effects (dose proportional between1 and 10 mg/kg) were also observed in a study of the locomotor effectsof Compound (I) in rats.

As shown in FIG. 12, the effects of a single oral dose of Compound (I)on systolic blood pressure, with or without prazosin, were alsoinvestigated. This study demonstrated that α1-adernergic blockadeprovided protection from Compound (I) mediated increases in bloodpressure. Alpha-adrenoceptors predominate in the innervation of thevascular smooth muscle causing vasoconstriction and increases inafterload. The sympathetic nervous system's adrenergic neurotransmitter,norepinephrine, produces its vascular effects by binding to theseadrenoceptors in the vasculature. The administration of agents thatblocked peripheral al-adrenergic receptors, such as the prazosinquinazoline compounds, effectively blocked and can be used to treat theblood pressure effects of Compound (I). Further, in human studies ofCompound (I) administered orally at doses up to 20 mg, the primaryhemodynamic observation has been a transient increase in systolic anddiastolic blood pressure, with a maximum and minimum that tends tocorrelate with TMAX and redistribution time. Heart rates have not beenobserved to increase to any significant degree, either clinically orstatistically. Blood pressure increases in the absence of heart rateincreases suggests a vasoconstrictive effect of Compound (I)(α₁-adrenergic activity) with limited effects on cardiac contractilityor inotropy (little to no β₁-adrenergic effect). Increases in tone ofthe α₁-adrenergic system in animals and humans, induced either directlywith α₁-agonists, or indirectly with drugs that increase norepinephrineactivity, can be easily and safely counteracted by agents that blockα₁-adrenergic receptors in the vasculature, or α₁-adrenergic blockers.

Example 24: Effect of Compound (1) and Ketamine on Behaviors in the RatForced Swim Test 24 Hours after Administration

This study aimed to evaluate the duration of the antidepressant-likeeffects of Form II of Compound (I) using the forced swim test in male,Sprague-Dawley rats. Clinically effective antidepressant compoundsreduce immobility time and increase swimming in rodents subjected tothis test. Rats received Compound (I) (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or ketamine (10mg/kg, i.p.) and 24 hours later were subjected to testing. As shown inFIG. 13, both ketamine and Form II of Compound (I) reduced immobilityand increased swim time significantly in this behavioral procedure(p<0.05). The data represent mean±SEM. Similar to ketamine, these dataare consistent with a long lasting antidepressant-like effect ofCompound (I).

Example 25: Preparation of Tablets Step 1: Preparation for RollerCompaction Dispensing and De-Lumping:

-   -   1. The following components were dispensed into individual        containers:        -   a. Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH 102)        -   b. Lactose monohydrate (310)        -   c. Croscarmellose sodium (Ac-Di-Sol®)        -   d. Magnesium stearate (Hyqual®; vegetable source)        -   e. Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)    -   2. All ingredients except magnesium stearate were de-lumped        through a 20 mesh hand screen. Magnesium stearate was de-lumped        through a 60 mesh hand screen.

Blending and Pre-Roller Compaction Lubrication:

-   -   1. The ingredients were loaded in the v-blender in the following        order:        -   a. Approximately half of microcrystalline cellulose        -   b. Crystalline Form II of Compound (I)        -   c. Remaining half of microcrystalline cellulose        -   d. Materials were blended for 8.5 min at 30 rpm.    -   2. Croscarmellose sodium was then added, followed by lactose        monohydrate and blended for 17 min at 30 rpm.    -   3. Magnesium stearate was added to the v-blender and blended for        an additional 4.5 min at 30 rpm.    -   4. The blend was discharged in a low-density polyethylene (LDPE)        bags.

Step 2: Preparation of Roller Compaction Granules Roller Compaction:

-   -   1. The blend was manually loaded into the hopper. Feeder screw        and roller compactor parameters were adjusted to yield a ribbon        of the desired density. The parameters were recorded at a preset        time interval.    -   2. The ribbons were collected in a double LDPE bags.    -   3. Ribbon Reconciliation. The ribbon thickness, weight, and        length to yield ribbon density were evaluated.

Milling

The collected ribbons were milled at 800±300 rpm through a Comil fittedwith a round hole (diameter, 0.039″) and a round impeller.

Post Roller Compaction Lubrication

The granules were loaded in the v-blender followed by de-lumpedmagnesium stearate and blended for a 4.5 min at 30 rpm.

Step 3: Preparation of Finished Tablets Tableting

The blend was manually charged into the hopper. The die fill amount andcompression parameters (press speed, fill depth, pre-compressionthickness setting, compression thickness setting, and force feederspeed) were adjusted to yield a tablet with the target weight andhardness. All finished tablets were collected in a double LDPE bags.

The composition of the tablets is provided in Table 17.

TABLE 17 Composition of Tablets Strength (label claim) 4 mg Qty pertablet Component Function (mg) % w/w Crystalline Form II of Active 4.05.0 Compound (I) Ingredient Microcrystalline Cellulose Diluent 36.8 46.0(Avicel ® PH 102) Lactose Monohydrate 310 Diluent 36.8 46.0Croscarmellose Sodium Disintegrant 1.6 2.0 (Ac-Di-Sol ®) MagnesiumStearate Lubricant 0.8 1.0 (Hyqual ®; vegetable source) Total Weight perTablet (mg) 80 100

SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

-   -   1. A compound which is substantially pure crystalline Form II of        Compound (I)

-   -   exhibiting at least one of:        -   (i) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using            copper Kα radiation, comprising peaks of 2-theta angle of            about 5.9 and 8.8 degrees;        -   (ii) an X-ray powder diffraction pattern, obtained using            copper Kα radiation, substantially as shown in FIG. 1A;        -   (iii) an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum, obtained using            methanol as diluent, substantially as shown in FIG. 2;        -   (iv) an infrared spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 3;        -   (v) a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about            600 MHz in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 4;        -   (vi) a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum at about 150            MHz in CD₃CN substantially as shown in FIG. 5;        -   (vii) a thermogravimetric analysis curve substantially as            shown in FIG. 6; and        -   (viii) a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram            substantially as shown in FIG. 7.    -   2. The compound of embodiment 1, wherein the compound exhibits        an X-ray powder diffraction pattern comprising peaks of 2-theta        angles of about 5.9 and 8.8 degrees which correspond,        respectively, to d-spacing at about 14.9 and 10.0 Angstroms (Å).    -   3. The compound of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the compound        exhibits an X-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as        shown in FIG. 1A.    -   4. The compound of any one of embodiments 2 and 3, wherein the        compound further exhibits at least one of: an ultraviolet        absorbance spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 2, an        infrared spectrum substantially as shown in FIG. 3, a proton        nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum substantially as shown in        FIG. 4, a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum substantially        as shown in FIG. 5, a thermogravimetric analysis curve        substantially as shown in FIG. 6, and a differential scanning        calorimetry thermogram substantially as shown in FIG. 7.    -   5. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits an ultraviolet absorbance spectrum        substantially as shown in FIG. 2.    -   6. The compound of embodiment 5, wherein the ultraviolet        absorbance spectrum comprises an absorbance maximum at about        236±2 nm.    -   7. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits an infrared spectrum substantially as shown in        FIG. 3.    -   8. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum        substantially as shown in FIG. 4.    -   9. The compound of embodiment 8, wherein the proton nuclear        magnetic resonance spectrum comprises peaks substantially as set        out in Table 1.    -   10. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits a ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum        comprises peaks substantially as shown in FIG. 5.    -   11. The compound of embodiment 10, wherein the ¹³C nuclear        magnetic resonance spectrum comprises peaks substantially as set        out in Table 2.    -   12. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits a thermogravimetric analysis curve        substantially as shown in FIG. 6.    -   13. The compound of embodiment 12, wherein the thermogravimetric        analysis curve corresponds to a weight loss of about 0.16% up to        about 250° C.    -   14. The compound of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the        compound exhibits a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram        substantially as shown in FIG. 7.    -   15. The compound of embodiment 14, wherein the differential        scanning calorimetry thermogram comprises an endothermic peak at        a temperature of about 124° C.    -   16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount        of the compound of any one of embodiments 1-15.    -   17. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 16, further        comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.    -   18. A pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments 16        and 17, wherein the Compound (I) is in particulate form with an        X90 particle size of about 10 μm or less.    -   19. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 8 μm or less.    -   20. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 6 μm or less.    -   21. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 5 μm or less.    -   22. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 1 μm and about 10 μm.    -   23. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 2 μm and about 8 μm.    -   24. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 3 μm and about 6 μm.    -   25. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 4 μm and about 5 μm.    -   26. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 18, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 4.5 μm.    -   27. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments        16-26, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for        oral administration.    -   28. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 27, wherein the        pharmaceutical composition is in tablet or capsule form.    -   29. A method of treating a condition responsive to an NR2B        antagonist, comprising administering to a patient in need        thereof an effective amount of a compound of any one of        embodiments 1-15 or a pharmaceutical composition of any one of        embodiments 16-28.    -   30. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the condition is a        depressive disorder.    -   31. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the condition is major        depressive disorder.    -   32. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the condition is        treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.    -   33. The method of any one of embodiments 29-32, wherein the        compound is administered as an adjunct to a serotonin reuptake        inhibitor or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.    -   34. The method of any one of embodiments 29-33, wherein the        compound is administered intermittently.    -   35. The method of any one of embodiments 29-34, wherein the        effective amount is between about 4 mg and about 60 mg daily or        intermittently.    -   36. The method of any one of embodiments 29-35 where the        compound is administered without food.    -   37. The method of any one of embodiments 29-35 wherein the        compound is administered with food.    -   38. A pharmaceutical composition comprising particles of        Compound (I)

-   -   -   with an X90 particle size of about 10 μm or less.

    -   39. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 8 μm or less.

    -   40. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 6 μm or less.

    -   41. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 5 μm or less.

    -   42. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 1 μm and about 10 μm.

    -   43. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 2 μm and about 8 μm.

    -   44. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 3 μm and about 6 μm.

    -   45. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is between about 4 μm and about 5 μm.

    -   46. The pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 38, wherein the        X90 particle size is about 4.5 μM.

    -   47. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments        38-46, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable        excipient.

    -   48. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments        38-47, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for        oral administration.

    -   49. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments        38-47, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is in the form of        a tablet or capsule.

    -   50. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of embodiments        38-49, wherein the Compound (I) is in crystalline Form II as        characterized in any one of embodiments 1-15.

    -   51. A method of increasing bioavailability of Compound (I)

-   -   -   comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an            effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of any one            of embodiments 38-50.

    -   52. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the method results in a        higher area under the curve compared to that of a method        comprising administering Compound (I) with an X90 particle size        of about 10 μm or higher.

    -   53. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the method results in a        higher area under the curve compared to that of a method        comprising administering Compound (I) with an X90 particle size        of about 11 μm or higher.

    -   54. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the method results in a        higher area under the curve compared to that of a method        comprising administering Compound (I) with an X90 particle size        of about 12 μm or higher.

    -   55. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the method results in a        higher area under the curve compared to that of a method        comprising administering Compound (I) with an X90 particle size        of about 13 μm or higher.

    -   56. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the method results in a        higher area under the curve compared to that of a method        comprising administering Compound (I) with an X90 particle size        of about 14 μm or higher.

    -   57. A method of treating a condition responsive to an NR2B        antagonist, comprising administering to a patient in need        thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of        any one of embodiments 38-50.

    -   58. The method of embodiment 57, wherein the condition is a        depressive disorder.

    -   59. The method of embodiment 57, wherein the condition is major        depressive disorder.

    -   60. The method of embodiment 57, wherein the condition is        treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

    -   61. The method of any one of embodiments 57-60, wherein the        compound is administered as an adjunct to a serotonin reuptake        inhibitor or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

    -   62. A method of treating suicidal ideation, comprising        administering an effective amount of Compound (I)

-   -   -   to a patient who has, is suspected of having, or has been            diagnosed with having suicidal ideation.

    -   63. The method of embodiment 62, wherein the patient has been        diagnosed with having suicidal ideation within about 4 weeks        prior to administration of the compound.

    -   64. The method of any one of embodiments 62 and 63, wherein the        patient has been further diagnosed with having a depressive        disorder.

    -   65. The method of any one of embodiments 62 and 63, wherein the        patient has been further diagnosed with having major depressive        disorder.

    -   66. The method of any one of embodiments 62 and 63, wherein the        patient has been further diagnosed with having        treatment-resistant major depressive disorder.

    -   67. The method of any one of embodiments 62-66, wherein the        Compound (I) is in crystalline Form II as characterized in any        one of embodiments 1-15.

    -   68. The method of any one of embodiments 62-67, wherein the        Compound (I) is in a pharmaceutical composition as characterized        in any one of embodiments 38-50.

    -   69. The method of any one of embodiments 51-68, wherein the        Compound (I) or pharmaceutical composition is administered        without food.

    -   70. The method of any one of embodiments 51-68, wherein the        Compound (I) or pharmaceutical composition is administered with        food.

    -   71. A method of reducing absorption rate of Compound (I)

-   -   -   comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an            effective amount of the Compound (I) with food, wherein the            compound is administered either substantially concurrently            with, or up to about 2 hours after, or up to about 30            minutes before administration of food.

    -   72. The method of embodiment 71, wherein the method results in a        lower C_(max) or a higher T_(max) compared to that of a method        comprising administering the Compound (I) without food.

    -   73. The method of any one of embodiments 71 and 72, wherein the        Compound (I) is administered either substantially concurrently        with, or up to about 90 minutes after, or up to about 15 minutes        before administration of food.

    -   74. The method of any one of embodiments 71 and 72, wherein the        Compound (I) is administered either substantially concurrently        with, or up to about 60 minutes after, or up to about 10 minutes        before administration of food.

    -   75. The method of any one of embodiments 71 and 72, wherein the        Compound (I) is administered substantially concurrently with        administration of food.

    -   76. The method of any one of embodiments 71-75, wherein the        compound is administered orally.

    -   77. The method of any one of embodiments 71-76, wherein the        compound is in crystalline Form II as characterized in any one        of embodiments 1-15.

    -   78. The method of any one of embodiments 71-77, wherein the        compound is in a pharmaceutical composition as characterized in        any one of embodiments 38-50.

    -   79. The method of any one of embodiments 51-78, wherein the        effective amount is between about 4 mg and about 60 mg daily or        intermittently.

    -   80. The method of any one of embodiments 29-37 and 51-79,        further comprising monitoring the patient's blood pressure; and        if hypertension is detected, administering an anti-hypertensive        to the patient.

    -   81. A method of preparing Compound (I)

-   -   -   comprising:        -   (i) reacting Compound (8)

-   -   -   with triflic anhydride to yield a triflate;        -   (ii) reacting the triflate with ammonia to yield Compound            (9)

-   -   -   -   and

        -   (iii) reacting the Compound (9) with 2-chloropyrimidine to            yield Form I of Compound (I).

    -   82. The method of embodiment 81, further comprising seeding Form        I of Compound (I) with Form II of Compound (I).

    -   83. The method of embodiment 81 or 82, further comprising        reacting Compound (6)

-   -   -   with carbonyldiimidazole and Compound (7)

-   -   -   to yield Compound (8).

    -   84. The method of embodiment 82, further comprising        debenzylating Compound (5)

-   -   -   with hydrogen over palladium to yield Compound (6).

    -   85. The method of embodiment 84, further comprising reducing        Compound (4)

-   -   -   with chloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)rhodium (I) dimer under            hydrogen atmosphere to yield Compound (5).

    -   86. The method of any one of embodiments 81-85, further        comprising purifying the Compound (I).

    -   87. The method of embodiment 86, wherein the purifying comprises        slurrying or recrystallization.

    -   88. The method of embodiment 85, wherein the purifying comprises        slurrying followed by recrystallization.

It will be apparent to those in the art that specific embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter may be directed to one or more of the above-and below-indicated embodiments in any combination.

While the invention has been disclosed in some detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it isapparent to those in the art that various changes may be made andequivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spiritand scope of the invention. Therefore, the description and examplesshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

All references, publications, patents, and patent applications disclosedherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. A crystalline Form II of Compound I

wherein Form II is obtained by converting Form I of Compound I to FormII
 2. The Compound of claim I wherein Form I of Compound I is convertedto form II of Compound I by heating Form I in its solid form to atemperature of up to 150° C.
 3. The compound of claim 2 wherein Form Iof Compound I is heated to a temperature from about 50° C. to about 150°C.
 4. The Compound of claim 3 wherein the Form I of Compound I is heatedto a temperature from about 70° C. to about 135° C.
 5. The Compound ofclaim 4 wherein the Form I of Compound I is heated to a temperature fromabout 90° C. to about 135° C.
 6. The compound of claim 2 wherein Form Iof Compound I is converted to Form II of Compound I by heating Form Ifor up to 24 hours.
 7. The compound of claim 3 wherein Form I ofCompound I is converted to Form II of Compound I by heating Form I forup to 10 hours.
 8. The compound of claim 4 wherein Form I of Compound Iis converted to Form II of Compound I by heating Form I for up to 3hours.
 9. The compound of claim 5 wherein Form I of Compound I isconverted to Form II of Compound I by heating Form I for up to 5 hours.10. The compound of claim I wherein Form I of Compound I is converted toForm II of Compound I by slurring and suspending Form I of Compound I inwater at ambient temperature.
 11. The compound of claim 10 wherein FormI of compound I is suspended in water for up to 40 hours.
 12. A methodof preparing Form II of Compound I

comprising: (i) reacting Compound (8)

with triflic anhydride to yield a triflate; (ii) reacting the triflatewith ammonia to yield Compound (9)

(iii) reacting the Compound (9) with 2-chloropyrimidine to yield a crudeform of Compound I; (iv) purifying said crudeform of Compound I bydissolving the crude form of Compound I in ethyl acetate at atemperature above 35° C., followed by partially or completely replacingthe ethyl acetate with heptane; (v) collecting the purified Form I ofCompound I; and (vi) suspending the purified Form I of Compound I inwater to obtain Form II of Compound I.
 13. The method of claim 12further comprising heating the heptane solution to a temperature above50° C. but below the boiling point of heptane followed by cooling theheptane solution to room temperature.
 14. A method of preparing Form IIof Compound I

comprising: (i) reacting Compound (8)

with triflic anhydride to yield a triflate; (ii) reacting the triflatewith ammonia to yield Compound (9)

(iii) reacting the Compound (9) with 2-chloropyrimidine to yield a crudeform of Compound I; (iv) purifying said crudeform of Compound I bydissolving the crude form of Compound I in ethyl acetate at atemperature above 35° C., followed by partially or completely replacingthe ethyl acetate with heptane; (v) collecting the purified Form I ofCompound I; and (vi) heating Form I of Compound I in its solid form to atemperature above 50° C. to obtain Form II of Compound I.
 15. The methodof claim 14 further comprising heating the heptane solution to atemperature above 50° C. but below the boiling point of heptane followedby cooling the heptane solution to room temperature.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein Form I of Compound I is heated to a temperature above100° C. to obtain Form II of Compound I.
 17. The method of claim 16further comprising heating the heptane solution to a temperature above50° C. but below the boiling point of heptane followed by cooling theheptane solution to room temperature.